SUNLAND PARK, NM—MARCH 6, 2013—2012 AQHA Racing Distance Champion and track record setter All About Larry will begin to defend his title on Friday when he faces off in the second of two trials for the $50,000-added Red Cell Sunland Park Distance Challenge(G3).

All About Larry won six of eight starts last season going around the turn to be named AQHA Racing's Distance Champion. He culminated his championship season by winning the $125,000 Grade 1 Red Cell Distance Challenge Championship, in track record time at Prairie Meadows, in his last start.

John Stinebaugh trains the 6-year-old son of Heza Motor Scooter for Diane Heath. Regular rider L.S. Martinez will be back in the saddle Ironically All About Larry's only off-the-board performance last season was in the Red Cell Sunland Park Distance Challenge when he finished a tiring fifth.

Las Vegas Ranch bred All About Larry in Arizona from the Shoot Yeah mare Come Hell Or Hiwater. He has won 10 of 21 career starts and earned $158,934. Installed as the morning-line favorite at 1-1, he will start in the second trial (Race 2) from the two position.

Tony Carnes' Valentino de Lao (2-1) will head the first trial for trainer Dick Powell. The Apollo (TB) 5-year-old will make his first start since finishing second, ahead of All About Larry, in the Tricky Dust Handicap at Ruidoso last June. He was disqualified in that race and placed fifth for interference. Ridden by Esgar Ramirez, the gelding has won five of 12 starts at the distance and earned $115,991.

Kc Royal Flash (3-1) will be looking to get back on track after a fourth place effort in his first start this year, a 1000 yard race at Sunland Park in January. Dominic Duree trains the 6-year-old Sixes Royal gelding for Kathryn Maynard and Carla Feerer. The seven-time winner around the turn has earned $314,775. Brian Theriot is named to ride.

Tony Sedillo's owned-and-trained Flyin Fish won an 870 Allowance two races back at Zia Park. The Fishers Dash 5-year-old has won three of seven starts at this distance. A six-time winner, he has earned $150,137 and will be ridden by Ken Tohill.

First post at Sunland Park Friday is set for 1:00 p.m. (MST). Sunland Park races can be viewed at Q-racingvideo-com.