FARMINGTON – Corrina Corrina is already the undisputed queen of New Mexico racing, but on Sunday, she aims to further cement her legacy by conquering open company in the SunRay Park and Casino season finale.
The 7-year-old Mr. Trieste mare headlines a field of 10 in the $75,000 San Juan County Commissioners Stakes. The 1 1/8-mile contest serves as the centerpiece of closing day at the Farmington track.
Owned by Derrick Jenkins and trained by Gary Cross, Corrina Corrina enters the gate as the all-time leader in wins and earnings for New Mexico-bred thoroughbreds. She has amassed more than $1.65 million in career earnings and 24 victories, but Sunday’s task involves facing males and out-of-state challengers at a grueling distance.
This marks her third appearance in the Commissioners Stakes; she captured the title in 2024 and finished third last year.
Corrina Corrina arrives in peak form, riding a two-race win streak at the current meet. She dominated the Russell and Helen Foutz Distaff on April 12 before returning 13 days later to defeat male rivals in the Jack Cole Stakes. While those victories came against state-bred competition, the mare has proven she can compete with anyone. In March, she finished a strong second against open company in the Harry Henson Stakes at Sunland Park, a race she won in 2025.
In eight career starts at SunRay, Corrina Corrina has never finished off the board, recording four wins, two seconds, and two thirds. She has also found success in marathons, winning three of her last six starts at a mile or longer.
Regular pilot Tracy Hebert will be in the irons, breaking from post six.
While Corrina Corrina is the sentimental and statistical favorite, the field features several battle-tested veterans:
Bender: Owned by Alfredo Alvarado and trained by Martin Valdez-Cabral, the Kentucky-bred son of Curlin is an eight-time winner with $401,000 in earnings. Bender narrowly missed winning this race last year, finishing second to Mine That Star. However, he is 0-for-3 at SunRay and has yet to win in six tries at the nine-furlong distance. Oscar Andrade Jr. has the mount from the rail.
Bye: Trainer Greg Green, a force in the current standings, sends out this Kentucky-bred son of Mark Valeski. Bye is seeking his third consecutive win and is a perfect 2-for-2 on the SunRay surface. The primary question mark for Bye remains the distance, as he has never tested the 1 1/8-mile trip. Miguel Perez will ride from post nine.
The San Juan County Commissioners Stakes is scheduled as the ninth race on Sunday’s 10-race card. Post time is set for 4:35 p.m.