Daddy Wanna Pony

On July 7, investigators from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s and New Mexico Attorney General’s offices raided the business headquarters of Advantage Asphalt, as well as the homes of its owner, Joe Anthony Montoya, who is at the center of a widely publicized political corruption probe.

Montoya’s company may face a BP-level image problem, but he can take some consolation in his recent successes at the racing track.

State corporation records show Montoya, his wife Marlene and Advantage employee Uriel Alvarez formed Kassandra’s Racing Team LLC two years ago. The privately held company—which need not disclose all of its investors or shareholders—has purchased several horses since then.

On July 4, the company’s recently acquired 3-year-old brown colt, Streakin Six Corona, won the day’s first race at SunRay Park and Casino in Farmington.

The weather was clear, with a slight, 10-mile-per-hour tailwind, according to the Equibase Company’s summary of results. The odds on Streakin Six were not favorable; someone who bet $2 that the colt would take first place would win $40.80.

Streakin Six and jockey Dennis Means started sixth out of the gate, clearing the 350-yard dirt track in 17.2 seconds, and finishing neck-and-neck over You Go Bold Girl. The first place prize was $13,310.

Santa Fe Reporter