SUNLAND PARK, NM—DECEMBER 28, 2018—10-1 long shot Daddys Blushing won the $85,000 Jess Burner Memorial Handicap(RG1) on the Friday opening day card of the 60th anniversary season at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

The 2017 Mountain Top Futurity winner was let go at large odds despite carrying a bankroll of nearly a quarter million dollars. Trained by Jackie Riddle, Daddys Blushing earned a hard fought head victory over both Percyjones and Mr Klee who dead heated for second place.

Daddys Blushing and jockey Francisco Calderon beat some of the top New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses in training. The three-year-old son of leading thrid-crop sire Big Daddy Cartel was in striking range throughout the 400 yards and surged to the front just before the wire.

Last season at Sunland Park, Daddys Blushing placed in both the Shue Fly and NMHBA Quarter Horse Stakes. His loyal supporters received $22.20 on a $2 win ticket on Friday.

Winning for the sixth time in 11 starts, Daddys Blushing earned nearly $51,000 for owner Gary Hartstack of Washington, Texas. The winner caught the distance in a time of :19.665 seconds. Bred by MJ Farms, from the Blushing Bug mare June Bug, Daddys Blushing has earned over $290,000 in two years of racing.

Percyjones and Mr Klee were inseparable at the finish. Both runner-up's ran too good to lose and each picked up $12,750 for their effort.

Trainer Trey Wood saddled Percyjones for owners Terry and Irene Stennett. Tanner Thedford rode the Jesse James Jr 4-year-old out of Maggie Miracle LX by Dean Miracle. Bred by Benny and Donna Smith, the graded stakes winner has banked more than $366,000.

Mr Klee, also a 4-year-old son of Jesse James Jr, races for owner Sergio Holguin and is trained by Ricardo Armendariz. Alan Hernandez had the riding call aboard the earner of nearly $66,000. Phil Chess bred the bay gelding from the Heza Fast Man mare Ms Klee

Jesse Lane was flying with the most momentum late but had to settle for a close fourth. Magnifico Dragon, Bigg Daddy, Siximoons, Swiss White Wine, Comin To Your Town and Jess Hot completed the field.