LG Racing LLC’s Alamo Lake earned the first stakes win of his career Friday afternoon at SunRay Park and Casino, rolling home under jockey Jacob Enriquez to post a mild upset in the $75,000 La Plata Stakes.
Trained by Armando Alamos, the 4-year-old California-bred son of Favorite Cartel got a clean break from the gate, rushed up to assume the lead midway down the stretch and won by a length, defeating post-time favorite Valiant Charm with jockey Emilio Tapia aboard.
Alamo Lake raced the 400 yards in a wind-aided time of 19.28 seconds, less than a fifth of a second off the track record, set by Texas Version in 2009.
Making just his second start this year, Alamo Lake was last seen finishing second in an optional claiming event at Sunland Park on Jan. 14. Before that, he was fourth in the $100,000 Zia Park Championship on Dec. 11, 2022. The win in the La Plata is the fourth victory from 15 career starts, increasing his lifetime earnings to more than $141,000.
Sent off at odds of more than 13-to-1, Alamo Lake returned $28.60 to win. The $2 exacta with the top pair of finishers paid $113.20.
Valiant Charm, sent off at odds of 17-to-10, was a narrow second in the West Texas Maturity at Sunland Park last month and was coming into the La Plata having won three of his last four starts. Despite a clean getaway from his near-inside post, he was no match for the winner in the final 100 yards.
Artillero finished third with jockey Omar Iturralde aboard, while Mias Irish Dynasty and jockey Francisco Cuellar rounded out the top four finishers.
Alamo Lake was one of two winners for Alamos on the Friday program. He also sent out Big Moon Dawg and jockey Daniel Amaya to win the first race on the card.
Amaya also came back to win the third race of the day, aboard Talent Not Luck for owner/trainer Joel Gutierrez.
Live racing at SunRay Park resumes on Saturday and Sunday, with the first race set for 2:15 p.m. on both days. Racing at SunRay Park is held Friday through Sunday through May 21.
