Albuquerque Picks & Predictions — September 23, 2026

Nogal is the most intriguing play on the ticket at 10/1 morning line — a TrackWiz rating of 76.88 that ranks second in the field is hidden behind a price that doesn't match her ability profile. Miguel A. Perez gets the mount for trainer Greg Green, and a 55 average speed figure ties for the field's best. This is your value bomb for the place slot, and she absolutely belongs in exacta combinations.

Silver Twilight posts a 16% career win rate and a 76.53 TrackWiz rating — essentially a dead heat with Nogal in terms of our composite score. Kelsi Purcell is a capable rider, and trainer Danny Morales puts horses on the board consistently. At 3/1, she won't return a ton for show, but she's a safe trifecta leg who brings legitimate class to the sprint.

Rocks a Black Suit at 3/1 brings a 17% career win rate and a 70.84 rating — the second-strongest in the field — with Enrique Portillo Gomez handling the riding duties for Sherry Armstrong. In a seven-horse starter optional claiming event, the place spot is highly competitive, and this horse's composite profile suggests she runs her race consistently. She's the most logical pick to hit the board behind the top choice.

Ten Figures enters with a 21% career win rate matching Sanger's mark and a rating of 70.25 from the outside post. Oscar Andrade, Jr. takes the mount for trainer Danny Morales, and a 55 average speed figure is the highest in the field. At 6/1, he offers some value in trifecta tickets as a horse who can measure up speed-figure wise even if the rating isn't at the top.

Marked Cash brings a 14% career win rate and a 75.62 rating — second-best in the field — and also runs out of the Cappellucci barn with Oscar Andrade, Jr. up. Her average speed figure of 55 matches the top of the field, and in a short sprint, early position from post one can be decisive. If the favorite finds any trouble, this stablemate is perfectly positioned to benefit.

Nobody's Perfect at 6/1 is a bit of a pace dark horse — a 62.52 rating with Rodolfo Guerra in the irons for trainer Greg Green. Her average speed figure of 52 is the lowest in the field, which could mean she's a closer who waits for others to tire in the sprint distance. At 6/1, there's enough juice on a trifecta ticket to make her worth including in the third slot.

Tinaja at 7/2 has a 84.29 rating — essentially right on the heels of the top pick — with Aldo Arboleda aboard for trainer Alberto Amparan. In maiden events, the second-highest rated horse often lands the place check when the top selection wins, and Tinaja's profile makes her the most logical landing spot for the runner-up slot. She's a deserving part of any exacta construction.

I'm Just Playing comes in at 3/1 with a rating of 73.05 and Christian Ramos guiding her for trainer Simon J. Buechler. In a wide-open maiden field, the third-best rating in the group is often good enough for the show position. Her 54 average speed figure keeps pace with the top contenders, and at 3/1, she's a sensible hedge in trifecta tickets.

Gangster at 7/2 posts an 83.88 rating and brings Christian Ramos aboard for Sherry Armstrong's barn, which has been active in placing horses competitively throughout the meet. Despite a career win rate of just 5%, the composite rating suggests this horse runs much better than that mark indicates — possibly unlucky or lightly raced. In a six-furlong sprint, pace dynamics could set up perfectly for a late-running type to grab the place.

Cross Temper is the experience play here — a 25% career win rate is the best in the field, and a 75.01 TrackWiz rating gives her legitimate credentials at 9/2. Rodolfo Guerra takes the mount for trainer Karina Aldavaz, and a 55 average speed figure keeps her right in the conversation on raw ability. She's a proven winner who knows how to hit the board, making her an ideal third leg in trifecta tickets.

Group Photo at 3/1 posts an 83.19 rating and brings Oscar Andrade, Jr. aboard for trainer Todd W. Fincher, who is well-regarded for placing horses effectively in allowance company. A 20% career win rate is legitimate, and a 55 average speed figure is tied for the field's highest mark. If the pace heats up early, this horse has the tactical speed to sit just off the leaders and pounce in the stretch.

Songcat is an intriguing piece of this puzzle — a 33% career win rate is the joint-best in the field, and a 56 average speed figure is tied for tops. Luis A. Valenzuela takes the mount for trainer Joel H. Marr, and at 9/2, there's genuine value on a horse who converts at a high rate when given the right scenario. Her 74.34 TrackWiz rating makes her a comfortable third choice and a smart trifecta inclusion.

Wild Steel at 8/1 is the value play we're excited about — a 78.83 TrackWiz rating that ranks third in the entire field, yet she's going off at a much longer price than her ability warrants. Miguel A. Perez takes the mount for trainer Andres Gonzalez, and her average speed figure of 55 matches the best in the race. In a wide field where the favorites may set up a fast pace, a horse with this rating at 8/1 is exactly the kind of overlaid place ticket that pays handsomely.

Jawdropper enters with a 76.88 rating — fourth-best in the field — and Francisco Amparan rides for his father Alberto Amparan, a family pairing that often sees strong communication in race planning. At 10/1, the morning line price doesn't reflect how competitive this horse's composite score is against this group. Include her in your trifecta tickets without hesitation.