Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

 

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

 

Coronas Boy speeds to victory $50,000 Getaway Stakes

 

10-cent Solo 6 pays $31,517

 

 

 

Coronas Boy sped to a convincing one-length victory in the $50,000 Getaway Stakes on Tuesday at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

 

 

 

The 870 yard expert found his best strides in the final 100 yards and swept to an impressive win under a hand ride from Quarter Horse jockey champion Esgar Ramirez. The 8-5 second choice paid $5.40 to his backers. Coronas Boy earned $30,000 for owner Victor Diaz of Sunland Park, New Mexico. The winning time was 45.129 seconds. The winning trainer was Poppy Aldavaz, Attillitis finished second followed by Ld Kinky Biscuit and Hauling The Cash in a dead heart for third.

 

 

 

Coronas Boy was unstoppable at 870 yards this season winning all three of his races at the distance. He is a gelded son of Mr. Houston bred in New Mexico.

 

 

 

 

 

The 10-cent Solo 6 paid $31,517.04 on Tuesday. Tricky Causeway completed the six race sequence by winning the final race of the season in the $43,200 Adios Amigos Claiming Handicap at one and one-quarter miles. Over $115,000 was wagered on the Solo 6 on Tuesday.  

 

 

 

Chris Hartman trained the 6-5 favorite. The winner is a nine-year-old son of Giant’s Causeway with nine career wins. He is owned by Joey K. Davis.

 

 

 

Sunland Park will simulcast the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 5. Turf Club packages are now on sale. Live racing resumes in December.

 

 

 

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Sunday, April 15, 2012

El Duero posts upset win in $217,146 West Texas Futurity (Grade 1)

Fog Alert closes fast to win $100,000 Sunland Park Handicap at 18-1 odds

$39,769 Solo 6 carryover pool on Tuesday

 

In day of upsets, El Duero posted a resounding win at over 12-1 odds in the 54^th running of the $217,146 West Texas Futurity (Grade 1) at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.

 

The two-year-old gelded son of Oak Tree Special mowed down his opponents in deep stretch to win the 300 yard classic by a half-length. Jockey Agustin Silva scored a career best victory with the young Quarter Horse. Coming off a second place finish in the trials, El Duero showed more dimension in the finale for trainer Toby Keeton.

 

The Texas based trainer had his charge ready to beat a solid group of two-year-olds. El Duero closed mightily from fifth place to overwhelm both Yield to Libby and Pajarita Sita at the wire. The winner caught the distance in a fast 14.683 seconds, good for a 104 speed index. His first career win was worth $102,059 for the R/T Stables of Odessa, Texas.  El Duero paid $27.40 on a $2 win ticket.

 

Keeton said in the winner’s circle, “He was a little green in the trials. He was looking at the tote board and the flags. He was much more settled today.”

 

Yield to Libby finished a terrific second in between runners under jockey Esgar Ramirez. The runner-up trained by Hermenegildo Aldavaz earned $39,086 for owner Victor Diaz of Sunland Park, New Mexico. The Azoom filly closed with energy and showed much heart.

 

Top qualifier Pajarita Sita led early but had to settle for third place, beaten one length. She raced as the 5-2 favorite for owner-trainer Alonso Orozco.

 

 

Expertly ridden by jockey Ken Tohill, Fog Alert (18-1) galloped away to an upset win in the 53^rd renewal of the $100,000 Sunland Park Handicap at one and one-eighth miles.

 

The former $16,000 claimer took clear advantage of a fast pace that was set in 22.73 and 45.98 seconds for the first two calls. The natural stretch runner responded eagerly to Tohill’s direction and was full of run with an eighth of a mile to go. While Forest Mouse put away challenges from Vamoose and Red Lead, Fog Alert was just heating up and hitting his best stride.

 

The five-year-old Thunder Gulch gelding swept on by Forest Mouse in the final 100 yards and pulled clear to a impressive 2-length win. He was timed in a good 1:49.78 and paid a healthy $38.00 to win. Fog Alert collected his third win of the meet for trainer David Wolochuk who is also a co-owner along with Arthur and Robin Olivier of Castor Valle, California. The sharp router took home a $60,000 first place check.

 

Forest Mouse made a daring middle move under jockey Alejandro Medellin but could not stall off the winner. The Curribot Stakes winner Vamoose flattened in the stretch drive and finished third, beaten nearly 5 lengths. 2010 Sunland Park Handicap winner Red Lead experienced plenty of traffic problems in upper stretch and could not recover. The $604,105 stakes winner wound up fourth.

 

The 2011-12 live racing season concludes on Tuesday at 12:45 p.m. A $39,769 Solo 6 carryover pool will be on the line. There will be a mandatory payout on the Solo 6. The $50,000 Getaway Stakes at 870 yards is the feature race.

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Trainer Todd Fincher sweeps both divisions of Copper Top Futurity

Kiss My Hennessy wins $120,989 Copper Top Futurity for colts & geldings

Hennessy Road dominates field in $100,958 Copper Top Futurity for fillies

Karolina takes $110,000 Sunburst Stakes

$35,158 SOLO 6 CARRYOVER POOL FOR SUNDAY

 

Trainer Todd Fincher had a big day on Saturday after sweeping both divisions of the Copper Top Futurity at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. The high percentage conditioner won the $120,989 Copper Top Futurity for colts and geldings with Kiss My Hennessy and then came back to win the fillies division with Hennessy Road.

 

Dismissed at 7-1 odds, Kiss My Hennessy scored a bold one and one-half length win in the colts and geldings division of the Copper Top. The former maiden ran a strong race and forced the pace throughout. The Roll Hennessy Roll gelding was empowered through the stretch and pulled clear of his opponents under a hand ride from leading jockey Miguel Hernandez. He caught the distance in 52.75 second through extremely blustery conditions. A $2 win ticket on Kiss My Hennessy was worth a generous $16.20.

 

Kiss My Hennessy earned $60,494 for owners Scott Bryant and Joe Dee Brooks of Levelland, Texas. Brooks and Fincher combined forces to win last year’s Copper Top Futurity for colts and geldings with I Play Dirty.

 

Key to the Venture finished a good second, three parts of a length in front of Indy’s Ransom. The runner-up earned $24,198 for owners Quinn and Kim Jones. Alarm Bell, the overwhelming 3-5 favorite, never found his top speed. The son of Attila’s Storm was well beaten in eighth place.

 

 

Ridden by jockey Casey Lambert, Hennessy Road generated an impressive three and one-half length victory in the fillies division to the Copper Top. The Roll Hennessy Roll filly roared into action after breaking from the #9 post position. She ran boldly with a three-wide attack around the turn and never let up on the throttle. Lambert had his filly well in control in upper stretch. The 6-5 favorite marched home for another convincing win for trainer Todd Fincher.

 

Hennessy Road collected a $50,479 payday for her second career victory. She is owned by W. Davis and Lisa Moore of Lubbock, Texas. The winning time was a sharp 52.35 seconds.

 

Star of Wonder saved second place by a nose over a fast closing Fallon Fontane. Silver Flair was contentious throughout and finished fourth, beaten four lengths.

 

Owners Quinn and Kim Jones finished second in both divisions of the Copper Top Futurity.

 

Trainer Carl Draper continued his hot streak on Saturday. The New Mexican Spring Futurity winning trainer saddled Karolina to a victory in the $110,000 Sunburst Stakes. The Desirio filly broke her maiden with a career best effort. She held off a furious rally from the multiple stakes winning filly Call Me A Blazn Chick to win by a head. The 6-1 shot was ridden by Tanner Thedford. Karolina earned $66,000 for owners Elmer Criswell and Fredda Draper.

 

Volcom Special Pop held on for a narrow victory in the $50,500 West Texas Juvenile Stakes at 300 yards. The Wes Giles trainee defeated Sashay Hot and Ryon James in a blanket finish. The Volcom colt was ridden by Martin Bourdieu for owners Jose Espinosa and Jim and Michelle Laird of Doss, Texas.

 

Live racing resumes on Sunday at 12:45 p.m. A $35,158 Solo 6 carryover pool is on the line. The $217,146 West Texas Futurity (Grade 1) is the fourth race at 300 yards. The $100,000 Sunland Park Handicap is the 10^th race at one and one-eighth miles.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Friday, April 13, 2012

$30,899 SOLO 6 CARRYOVER POOL FOR SATURDAY!

Six figure Copper Top Futurities on Saturday

$217,146 West Texas Futurity and $100,000 Sunland Park Handicap on Sunday

 

A virtual cornucopia of major stakes races is slated for this weekend at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. There are only three more live racing days in the 2011-12 season which culminates on Tuesday, April 17.

Live racing resumes on Saturday at 12:45 p.m. A $30,899 Solo 6 carryover pool is on the line.  

 

 

Two outstanding fields are set for Saturday’s two divisions of the Copper Top Futurity at four and one-half furlongs. The $120,988 Copper Top Futurity for colts and geldings (10^th race) has 10 finalists highlighted by the super impressive Alarm Bell. The Fred Danley trainee won his trial on March 20 under a complete hand ride from jockey Martin Bourdieu. Alarm Bell is a two-year-old New Mexico-bred son of Attila’s Storm owned by R.D. Hubbard. Danley also saddles in the unbeaten Indication N M for owners Robert Haynsworth and J & SM, Inc.

 

Todd Fincher’s Hennessy Road looms large in the $100,958 Copper Top Futurity for fillies (11^th race). The Roll Hennessy Roll filly dominated her trial opponents by 2 lengths. The rapidly improving sprinter gets regular pilot Casey Lambert in the saddle.

 

The $110,000 Sunburst Stakes (5^th race) at 350 yards and the $50,000 West Texas Juvenile (4^th race) at 300 yards are also major events on Saturday.

 

Sunday’s 12-race program presents both the $217,146 West Texas Futurity (4^th race) and the $100,000 Sunland Park Handicap (10^th race). Pajarita Sita was the top qualifier for the 54^th running of the Grade 1 West Texas Futurity at 300 yards. She qualified for local owner-trainer Alonso Orozco in a time of 14.979 seconds. The unbeaten filly Xquizit rates prominently for 2-time West Texas Futurity winning trainer Wes Giles. Xquizit posted a trial time of 14.991 seconds. Only seven one-hundredths of a second separate the ten finalists in the West Texas Futurity.

 

The 10^th race is the 53^rd running of the $100,000 Sunland Park Handicap. A strong field of nine older runners will battle over a mile and one eighth. Curribot Stakes winner Vamoose and 2010 Sunland Park Handicap winner Red Lead are the pre-race favorites. The empowered Vamoose also won the 2011 Veteran Stakes at Zia Park and the 2011 Ruidoso Thoroughbred Championship. He is trained by Sunland Park’s leading conditioner Henry Dominguez. Jockey Enrique Portillo Gomez gets the call.

 

The ultra consistent Red Lead adds plenty of intrigue with a stellar form. He was a close second in the Winsham Lad Stakes last January and was beaten a nose in the Zia Park Distance Championship last fall. The 8-time winner of over $600,000 especially loves the Sunland Park oval. Ry Eikleberry rides the son of Red Bullet.

 

The $40,000 White Sands Dash (3^rd race) at 350 yards and the $43,000 Copper Top Juvenile (5^th race) at four and one-half furlongs are also on Sunday’s menu.

 

Sunland Park Publicity Director Eric Alwan will wrap up the announcing duties on Friday through Tuesday, April 17. Alwan is the voice of SunRay Park and Casino in Farmington, New Mexico and the Downs at Albuquerque. The $50,000 Getaway Stakes and the $40,000-added Adios Amigos Claiming Handicap will be run on Tuesday, April 17.

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Pj Chick in Black wins $251,358 New Mexican Spring Quarter Horse Futurity

Rylees Boy wins third straight $120,510 Bank of America New Mexico Challenge Championship

 $21,015 SOLO 6 CARRYOVER POOL FOR TUESDAY

 

Carl Draper’s Pj Chick in Black scored a dominant one-length victory in the $251,358 New Mexican Spring Quarter Horse Futurity at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Easter Sunday.

 

Under Sunland Park’s leading Quarter Horse rider Esgar Ramirez, Pj Chick in Black remained unbeaten in two starts after a scintillating win in the rich 300 yard dash for New Mexico-bred two-year-olds. The brown filly by Desirio was brushed at the break but quickly generated a burst of speed and had full momentum after the first 100 yards. Ramirez directed the talented freshman rocketed to a commanding lead.

 

Racing at 9-2 odds, Pj Chick in Black gained a comprehensive win and earned $118,139 for owners Fredda Draper and Denny Bowen.  The winner paid $11.80 on a $2 win ticket. She covered the distance in a quick 14.912 seconds, good for a 95 speed index.

 

After qualifying three finalists, Ramirez made the right selection with the Draper filly. He said, “She was a little anxious waiting for the start, but I felt confident. I have always liked her. I told Mr. Draper early on that she was really fast. I’m glad I stayed with my first selection.”

 

Junior June Bug finished second with jockey Freddie Martinez. The Jesse James colt earned $45,245 for owner Richard McGehee of Halletsville, Texas. The runner-up is trained by Jackie Riddle. Tombstone and Conn Creek wound up in a dead heat for third. Conn Creek raced as the 7-5 favorite.

 

 

Rylees Boy broke like a bullet and cruised to his third straight win in the $120,510 Bank of America New Mexico Regional Challenge Championship. The heavy 2-5 favorite did not disappoint his fans. The sensational seven-year-old gelding by Heza Motor Scooter powered clear of his opponents down the lane and collected his 19^th win from 39 career starts.

 

The 2-length winner sped through the 440 yards in a fast 21.07 seconds with a slight head wind blowing.

 

Winning Jockey Joe Ruiz said in the winner’s circle, “He always gives you all he’s got. He’s very professional, just a dream to ride. It doesn’t matter who he is running against. He really bombed away from their today, maybe the second best start of his career. He loves this race track and the weather.”

 

Rylees Boy caps off another stellar Sunland Park campaign. Owned and trained by Gerardo Pena-Ochoa, the veteran speedball was stakes placed in both the $350,000 Championship at Sunland Park (Grade 1) and the KOFX Radio Handicap. No Quarter Horse has been as consistent at Sunland Park over the last three years as Rylees Boy. The winner earned $55,435 on Sunday, pushing his lifetime take to over $783,000.

 

A Spring Snow came in a distant second under jockey Alonso Rivera. Zommin Express was a neck back in third.

 

Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 12:45 p.m. The Solo 6 Carryover Pool for Tuesday is $21,015. There are only five more days left in the live racing season which culminates on April 17.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Jw a Royal Flirt wins $61,380 Red Cell New Mexico Distance Challenge

 

Dismissed at nearly 12-1 odds, Jw a Royal Flirt posted a career best performance and won the $61,380 Red Cell New Mexico Distance Challenge at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.

 

Under red hot rider Esgar Ramirez, Jw a Royal Flirt thwarted Valentino de Lao in the final 100 yards and pulled clear for the one-length upset victory in the 870 yard stakes race. Ramirez was fresh off a big win on Saturday aboard Tf Featured Effort in the $165,934 West Texas Derby (Grade 3).

 

The long shot winner on Sunday has reach full potential under trainer Blake Rust. The former $7,500 claimer beat a solid field of distance stakes horse with a determined stretch drive. Jw a Royal Flirt caught the distance in a fast 44.608 seconds. The five-year-old gelding picked up $29,462 paycheck for owners George and Judy Weldon of Vernal, Utah. Jw a Royal Flirt remains a consistent sort winning four times with five seconds and three thirds from 16 career starts.

 

Jw a Royal Flirt paid $25.40 to win and sparked a $1 trifecta worth $1,016.80.

 

Valentino de Lao, the second choice at 2-1 odds, made a bold wide move around the turn and looked to be a major force heading into the stretch. The four-year-old son of Apollo tried his best to take the lead but ran out of steam in the final stanza. The runner-up trained by Carlos Sedillo earned $12,583 for owner Tony Carnes of Odessa, Texas.

 

Prince Bac finished with a flourish and gained third place under jockey Miguel Hernandez. The 13-1 shot was beaten only one and three-quarter lengths.

 

Odds-on favorite All About Larry saw his three-race win streak snapped. He could not keep up with the leader and eventually faded in fifth place.

 

Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 12:45 p.m.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Tf Featured Effort cruises to victory in $165,934 West Texas Derby (Grade 3)

Sports and Health Expo stages on Sunday

 

Tf Featured Effort cruised to an easy one-length victory in the 49^th running of the $165,934 West Texas Derby (Grade 3) at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Saturday. Under leading Quarter Horse rider Esgar Ramirez, Tf Featured Effort raced as the 2-1 second choice and was never seriously challenged.

 

Breaking from the outside #10 post position, the Roberto Sanchez trainee shot out from the gates and quickly gained a prominent spot on the lead. The Feature Mr Jess colt grabbed the bit and poured on the speed midway down the lane under mild urging. He powered home a confident winner in a time of 18.902 seconds for the 400 yards. The clocking earned an impressive 98 speed index. The winner vindicated his top qualifying status from the trials. He earned $77,990 payday from his second win of the year for the SM Cattle Export Company and Jaime Dominguez of Peyton, Colorado.

 

Tf Featured Effort completes a terrific Sunland Park campaign. He won three races and was a finalist in the Sunland Park Winter Quarter Horse Futurity. With his West Texas Derby victory, the razor sharp three-year-old earned a berth in next season’s $350,000 Championship at Sunland Park (Grade 1) in December. He has earned over $121,000.

 

Both Esgar Ramirez and Roberto Sanchez are well on their way to collecting the Sunland Park Quarter Horse rider and trainer championships, respectively.

 

Moon Dynasty, a half-brother to the champion First Moonflash, ran a strong race to get second place under jockey Jesse Levario. The runner-up raced at odds of 10-1 for trainer Juan M. Gonzalez. The runner-up earned $29,868 for the Valle Guadiana Corporation of El Paso, Texas. Ocean La Jolla finished a nose back in third place.

 

Rj Ricky Bobby, the 9-5 favorite, was bumped hard at the start and blocked. The First Thoughts gelding finished in 9^th place.

 

 

Future win and exacta wagering on this year’s Kentucky Derby remains open through Sunday afternoon. The $1 million Louisiana Derby from the Fair Grounds will be simulcast.

 

Also on Sunday, racing fans can meet with American Quarter Horse Association Quarter Horse racing experts John Hernandez and Jen Perkins who will have an analysis of the $61,380 Red Cell New Mexico Distance Challenge (4^th race) at 870 yards. The pair join will track announcer Robert Geller for an informative handicapping seminar at 11 a.m. in the Franklin’s Lounge.

 

The Sports and Health Expo will also be held at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday. The free event starts at 11 a.m. and continues through 5 p.m. in the Signature Showroom. The expo features a meet and greet session with current Dallas Cowboy linebacker Sean Lee. First post time on Sunday is 12:45 p.m.

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Daddy Nose Best delivers winning shot in $800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III)

Sunland Park and New Mexico handle records set

Princess Arabella romps home in $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks

Twelve Twenty Two draws away in $100,000 Harry W. Henson Handicap

Rose’s Desert scores in $110,000 La Coneja Stakes

Dashkova takes upset win in $110,000 New Mexico Breeders’ Oaks

Imco Spirit closes fast to win $100,000 Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes

That’s Who wins third stakes of the meet in $110,000 New Mexico Breeders’ Derby

 

 

Daddy Nose Best closed with a furious late charge to win the $800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) in front of a throng of 18,384 fans and stamped himself a ticket for this year’s Kentucky Derby.

 

The former $35,000 yearling purchase generated a career best performance under jockey Julien Leparoux to defeat a valiant Isn’t He Clever by three parts of a length in a thrilling 10^th renewal of the Grade III Kentucky Derby prep race at one and one-eighth miles. The resurgent Scat Daddy colt found an opening with 3 furlongs to go in the feature while Isn’t He Clever raced 3 lengths clear heading into the stretch run. Leparoux roused his mount into 3-wide path and set sail after the leader.

 

Trained by Steve Asmussen, Daddy Nose Best called upon his class and gradually wore down his energetic foe. In deep stretch, Daddy Nose Best swept on by the game Isn’t He Clever and raced to victory in a fast time of 1:48.59. He barely missed the track record of 1:48.20 held by Winsham Lad in 1962. More importantly, Daddy Nose Best clearly showed a love for the dirt surface coming off his nose victory in the El Camino Real Derby over the Tapeta surface at Golden Gate Fields.

 

Leparoux said, “I got a fantastic effort from the horse. The past was set up perfect for him. He had plenty left at the end.”

 

After scoring his first Sunland Derby (Gr. III) win, a jubilant Asmussen said, “We have plenty of reasons for optimism. We feel good about him handling the 1 and 1/8 mile distance in a respectable time. This is everything we had hoped for. The spacing of his races was right. This race fit perfectly with his timing. He showed a great degree of maturity today and has improved a lot since his two year old season.”

 

Asmussen added that the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs would be his next assignment. Daddy Nose best flies to Kentucky on Tuesday.

 

The 2012 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) champion is owned by the popular Mary and Robert Zollars of Dallas, Texas. The pair has raced three horses in the Kentucky Derby. Daddy Nose Best should be the fourth. He earned $400,000 in graded monies and escalated his career bankroll to $633,623 from 4 career wins. The 7-2 shot paid a generous $9.40 to win.

 

Isn’t He Clever ran a tremendous race to finish second. The Henry Dominguez trainee was coming off stakes record wins in both the Borderland Derby and Riley Allison Futurity. With jockey Luis Contreras at the controls, the Smarty Jones gelding shot clear past the fading pace setters at the three-eighth pole and looked the part of a winner. The home course star continued to throttle up on the lead racing in upper stretch. He never lost momentum but was simply overhauled in the final stanza by a terrific horse. Isn’t He Clever finished over 7 lengths in front of the third place finisher, Stirred Up.

 

Locally owned by Judy and Kirk Robison, Isn’t He Clever picked up $176,000 in graded money and gained a great deal of prestige after Sunday’s feature. The bay gelding has earned nearly $410,000 in his young career. The Robisons won the Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes (Imco Spirit) and the Harry Henson Handicap (Twelve Twenty Two) on the undercard. The runner-up raced 3-1 second choice.

 

Stirred Up, one of two Bob Baffert trained runners, closed belatedly to gain third place with jockey Martin Garcia. The expensive Lemon Drop Kid colt earned a $96,000 payday for owner Robert LaPenta.

 

No Spin wound up in fourth place followed by Ender Knievel, Tequila Factor, Castaway and Justanoldsong.

 

8-5 favorite Castaway trained by Baffert and Ender Knievel from the Todd Pletcher barn promoted a hot pace of 22.48 and 46.24 seconds, respectively. The two runners paid the price and were out of gas 6 furlongs into the race. Castaway was coming off a Grade III win in the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. He was ridden by Rafael Bejarano. John Velazquez rode Ender Knievel.

 

Betting was very brisk on the 2012 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) program. An all-sources handle of $3,586,225 was wagered on the 13-race card. The tally was the largest handle ever recorded at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino and the largest handle in New Mexico racing history.

 

 

The classy Princess Arabella made short work of the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks and scored an easy 8-length victory under jockey Martin Garcia. The large three-year-old filly by Any Given Saturday towered over her opponents in size and speed. The 1-5 favorite trained by Bob Baffert led every step of the way and was the easiest of winners. The unbeaten sophomore remained unbeaten in three career starts. She is following in the footsteps of her older stable mate Plum Pretty who the 2011 Sunland Park Oaks and went on to win the 2011 Kentucky Oaks.

 

Princess Arabella glided through the one and one-sixteenth miles in a good 1:43.52. She had plenty left in the tank for the Peachtree Stable of Wellington, Florida. The chestnut sensation earned $120,000 and looks destined for more stakes victories in the near future.

 

In a magnificent display, Twelve Twenty Two remained unbeaten over Sunland soil after another dominating victory in the $100,000 Harry Henson Handicap. The defending champion romped away from a solid field of Santa Anita runners and won by 12 and one-quarter lengths under jockey Luis Contreras. The classy Kafwain mare won her seventh race from seven tries over the local oval and was timed in a sharp 1:35.72 for the one mile. Winning trainer Henry Dominguez said, “I was amazed how well she ran. I knew she was training well. I didn’t think she would show the type of speed she showed. Her final kick was good.” Dominguez indicated Twelve Twenty Two may have a return trip to Kentucky where she could run in the Grade 1 Humana Distaff at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby day.

 

Winning owners Kirk and Judy Robison of El Paso, Texas collected the $60,000 first place prize. Mr. Robison said, “She just loves it here. Henry keeps her happy. We couldn’t be happier with her.”

 

Twelve Twenty Two just missed the one mile track record of 1:34.62. She earned her seventh win in her last eight tries. The seven-year-old Florida-bred has earned over $288,000. The 2-time Harry Henson winner raced as the 6-5 favorite and paid $4.40 to win. Kayce Ace finished in second place, nearly 10 lengths in front of Remit. The runner-up is owned by Bill Casner and trained by Eoin Harty.

 

Rose’s Desert exploded in mid-stretch to take a visually impressive 3 and 1/2 length win in the $110,000 La Coneja Stakes. The splendid Desert God filly unleashed an energetic move down the lane and raced past defending champion Shemoves en route to a rapid win in the five and one-half furlong stakes for New Mexico-breds three-year-olds. Jockey Casey Lambert rode a perfect race and scored his second win of the day.

 

Todd Fincher conditions Rose’s Desert for owner Joe Peacock of San Antonio, Texas. Rose’s Desert won the New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap last December and was second in the Sydney Valentini Handicap last February.

 

 

Dashkova upset heavily bet Dawn Is Affirmed to win the $110,000 New Mexico Breeders’ Oaks at one and one-sixteenth miles. Under jockey Jose Rivera, Dashkova responded with a strong stretch running effort and inhaled the big favorite in mid-stretch and never looked back. The three-year-old New Mexico-bred daughter of Attila’s Storm won by over 2 lengths and paid $29.80 on a $2 win ticket. She earned $66,000 for the Double Kee LLC of Phoenix, Arizona. Dwain Grissom trained the winner.

 

 

Red hot jockey Luis Contreras won his third race of the day aboard the resurgent Imco Spirit in the $100,000 Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes at six and one-half furlongs. The multiple stakes winner found his top form on Sunday with a powerful closing finish. Racing as the 5-2 second choice. Imco Spirit finished eagerly to overhaul Ribald in the stretch and win by one and one-half lengths. Ribald fought hard in second place followed by the tough Quiet Again in third. Imco Spirit earned $60,000 for owners Kirk and Judy Robison of El Paso, Texas.The former claimer is trained by the sharp Henry Dominguez.

 

 

That’s Who became the only triple stakes winner of the meet after a courageous win in the $110,000 New Mexico Breeders’ Derby at one and one-sixteenth miles. The unstoppable New Mexico-bred star held off a spirited drive from I Do My Own My Tricks. The even money favorite ran boldly once again under jockey Ry Eikleberry and sped through the distance in a sharp 1:44.60. That’s Who won the Red Hedeman Mile and the Pepsi Cola Stakes earlier in the meet. He was a perfect three for three during the meet for trainer Joel Marr. The razor sharp son of Quinton’s Gold has six career wins. The 2-length winner earned $66,000 for owners Sam and Latane Stevens of Lamesa, Texas.        

 

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The $800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) will be run on Sunday, March 25 at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

 

Sunland Park’s biggest day showcases an all Thoroughbred 13-race card with over $1.6 million in purses including the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks. With $400,000 in graded earnings, this year’s Sunland Derby (Gr. III) winner earns a virtual berth in the Kentucky Derby. The Sunland Derby (Gr. III) day card will receive national television coverage with a one hour live broadcast on TVG from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Mountain Time. Prime Ticket, MSG Plus, Sun Sports, Altitude and Fox Sports Regional Networks also have television broadcasts planned. A Sunland Derby (Gr. III) preview happens Saturday, March 24 on “Down The Stretch” hosted by Dave Johnson and Bill Finley. The satellite radio program airs on Sirius Channel 93 and XM Channel 209 at 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mountain Time. Here is the field in post position order for the Sunland Derby (Gr. III). Post time on Sunday is 12:45 p.m. The Sunland Derby (Gr. III) post time is slated for 5:45 p.m. Advance wagering on the entire Sunland Derby (Gr. III) Day card begins on Saturday at 10 a.m.

 

 

1.  CASTAWAY (Rafael Bejarano, 2-1)

 

Owner: Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith.

Trainer: Bob Baffert.

Lifetime Record: 7-2-1-2, $209,930.

 

Another part of Bob Baffert’s armada of talented three-year-olds, Castaway drew headlines by winning the first division of the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park. The Street Sense colt has come along smartly at the age of three. He broke his maiden on Jan. 21 at Santa Anita in his sixth career start. The bay colt controlled the pace throughout the one mile event. The royally bred sort carried that momentum to Arkansas by capturing his first stakes win. Castaway remains on a terrific roll for his sophomore campaign while he hungers for more graded stakes earnings. His recent drills are excellent, and he looms large for the Sunland Derby (Gr. III) and a possible run at the Kentucky Derby. Castaway’s owners won two Breeders’ Cup races in 2011. Elite rider Rafael Bejarano is the jockey.

 

 

2.  ENDER KNIEVEL (John Velazquez, 6-1)

 

Owner: Alto Racing, LLC.

Trainer: Todd Pletcher.

Lifetime Record: 4-1-1-0, $35,280.

 

 

Owned in part by former Sunland Park race horse owner Gil Moutray, Ender Knievel makes an excellent addition to the Sunland Derby (Gr. III) field. The chestnut colt is an elegantly bred son of Distorted Humor (same sire as 2010 Sunland Derby winner Endorsement) and out of the A.P. Indy stakes winning mare Ender’s Sister. On Feb. 5, Ender Knievel blasted his way to a near 8 length win in a $51,500 maiden special weight race going one mile at Gulfstream Park. He is part of a legion of talented three-year-olds racing for multiple Eclipse winning trainer Todd Pletcher. Ender Knievel has been working forwardly in preparation for a Sunland Derby. Gil Moutray owned a series of stakes winners in New Mexico through much of the 1990’s. 2011 Kentucky Derby winning rider John Velazquez is his rider.

 

 

3.  STIRRED UP (Martin Garcia, 8-1)

 

Owner: Robert LaPenta.

Trainer: Bob Baffert

Lifetime Record: 3-1-1-1, $51,520.     

 

Stirred Up is the second Baffert charge running in the Sunland Derby (Gr. III). The Lemon Drop Kid colt won a Santa Anita maiden event going long on March 3. His owner Robert LaPenta is one of the leading owners in the country. The talented Martin Garcia will ride.

 

 

4.  ISN’T HE CLEVER (Luis Contreras, 4-1)

 

Owner: Kirk and Judy Robison.

Trainer: Henry Dominguez.

Lifetime Record: 6-4-1-0, $215,960.

 

 

Isn’t He Clever ranks as the local powerhouse with commanding stakes record wins in both the $104,200 Riley Allison Futurity and the $150,000 Borderland Derby. The Smarty Jones gelding remains unbeaten over New Mexico soil for El Paso owners Kirk and Judy Robison. Mr. Robison is President of Peter Piper Industries and is currently enjoying a tremendous meet as the leading owner with 12 wins from 38 starters through March 18. After winning his first two career starts at Zia Park, Isn’t He Clever came in a close second in the Clever Trevor Stakes at Remington Park and stamped himself as a player. He parlayed that effort to a near 12 length win in the Allison Futurity. On Feb. 4, the bay gelding moved to the deep waters of Santa Anita Park and finished fourth in the Grade 2 $200,000 Robert Lewis Stakes. He set a commanding pace and led for 6 furlongs. The multiple stakes winner showed another dimension by coming from off the pace in the Borderland Derby. The Henry Dominguez trained runner will enjoy a healthy home course advantage in the Sunland Derby (Gr. III). Dominguez won the 2007 WinStar Derby with the classy Song of Navarone. Isn’t He Clever will be ridden by 2010 Sunland Park and 2012 Woodbine jockey champion Luis Contreras.

 

 

 

5, NO SPIN (Channing Hill, 8-1)

 

Owner: Black Gold Racing.

Trainer: Tim Ice.

Lifetime Record: 7-2-0-1, $80,716.

 

As a two-year-old, No Spin finished fourth in the prestigious Arlington Washington Futurity. Trained by former Belmont Stakes winning conditioner Tim Ice (Summer Bird), No Spin became a stakes winner on turf with a win in the Royal Glint at Hawthorne Park last October. The Johannesburg colt also ran a good fourth in the $300,000 Springboard Mile at Remington Park. At 3, he is looking to recapture his 2011 form. No Spin is owned in part by Dr. Leonard Blach, co-owner of 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. Channing Hill is the pilot.

 

 

6.  DADDY NOSE BEST (Julien Leparoux, 3-1)

 

Owner: Mary and Robert Zollars.

Trainer: Steven Asmussen.

Lifetime Record: 9-3-2-1, $233,623.

 

 

Daddy Nose Best scored an important win in the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate over the synthetic Tapeta course and earned an impressive 92 Beyer figure. Steve Asmussen, the nation’s leading trainer of 2011, has carefully directed the career of the Scat Daddy colt for a run at the Sunland Derby (Gr. III) and possibly the Kentucky Derby. Primarily campaigned over the turf as a two-year-old in 2011, Daddy Nose Best was stakes placed in the Grade 3 Summer Stakes at Woodbine and ran sixth out of fourteen runners in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Churchill Downs. With such a strong resume, Daddy Nose Best looms large and should relish the 1 and 1/8 mile distance of the Sunland Derby. Owners Mary and Robert Zollars are highly successful in racing and won the 2011 Borderland Derby with Fusa Code. Two-time Eclipse winning rider Julien Leparoux is his rider.

 

 

7. TEQUILA FACTOR  (Miguel Hernandez, 15-1)

 

Owner: JT and B Racing.

Trainer: C.L Skook Wilson.

Lifetime Record; 10-4-1-0, $122,095.

 

Tequila Factor ran in the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Turf Juvenile. He recently won the Tempe Handicap (March 17) at Turf Paradise over the grass course. The Pure Prize colt ran a distant fourth behind Isn’t He Clever in the Riley Allison Futurity. The long shot appears to prefer turf or synthetic surfaces as opposed to dirt. Sunland’s leading rider Miguel Hernandez gets the call.

 

 

8.  JUSTANOLDSONG  (Ry Eikleberry 20-1)

 

Owner: David Wolochuk.

Trainer: David Wolochuk.

Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $15,900.

 

Justanoldsong is a very well bred son of Unbridled’s Song. He won his local debut courageously with a late burst of speed. The grey roan colt ran off the board in the $150,000 Borderland Derby. The talented Ry Eikleberry is the jockey.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Daddy O wins $110,000 New Mexico State University Handicap

 

Daddy O overcame 11 rivals and some very blustery conditions to win a frantic finish in the $110,000 New Mexico State University Handicap at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.

 

The rejuvenated former stakes winner showed his old class in the one mile and 70 yard feature for New Mexico-breds. Under a patient ride from Alejandro Medellin, Daddy O responded with a bold late effort down the lane to defeat On Down The Road by a neck in a thrilling finish. During the 2009 season at Sunland Park, Daddy O won five straight races including the New Mexico State University Stakes.

 

Racing at 11-1 odds, Daddy O responded eagerly down the lane and saved his best for the final furlong after being rated off the pace by Medellin. The seven-year-old Chimes Band gelding found enough reserves to outrun On Down the Road, Double Smart and Soaring Goddess. The top four finishers were separated by just over one-length.

 

Daddy O collected his 9^th career win from 19 starts. The durable home-bred earned $66,000 for owners Leslie and Pierre Amestoy of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Daddy O has been remarkably successful over the Sunland Park surface during his career winning nearly over $305,000. Ross Amestoy trains the lightly raced veteran. The winner paid a generous $24.20 on a $2 win ticket.

 

On Down The Road tried his best with a terrific effort under jockey Ken Tohill. The rapidly improving Desert God gelding was forwardly placed throughout and found his way into a four-horse battle for the lead down the stretch. Emerging from some tight quarters, On Down The Road fought valiantly and just missed in second place. He earned $22,000 for owner Lisa Rehburg of Mountain Center, California.

 

Double Smart and jockey Glen Murphy finished a close third at over 24-1 odds. The former stakes winner sparked a $1 trifecta payoff worth $5,576.50. Soaring Goddess, the only mare in the field, finished with determination and got fourth place. She completed a 10-cent superfecta worth a giant $4,024.48.

 

Brother Louie, the mild 5-2 favorite, never heated up and finished far back in 11^th place.

 

Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 12:45 p.m. Trials for the Bank of America New Mexico Challenge and both divisions of the Copper Top Futurity will make up the 12-race program. The $800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) is less than one week away. Sunland Park’s biggest day on Sunday, March 25. Over $1.6 million in purses will be on the line for the all-Thoroughbred 13-race card.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Here Kittykittykitty purrs to victory in $110,000 Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap

 

Here Kittykittykitty won his second stakes race of the meet with a resounding victory in the $110,000 Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.

 

Coming off a victory in the $110,000 Jess Burner Handicap and a fifth place finish in the Grade 1 $350,000 Championship at Sunland Park, Here Kittykittykitty raced as the 4-5 favorite and looked immaculate coming into the post parade. With jockey Martin Bourdieu in the saddle, Here Kittykittykitty generated another smooth performance and was never in jeopardy. The elegant five-year-old gelding by Genuine Strawfly broke well from the outside #10 post position and gained a stranglehold of the 350 yard dash in mid-stretch.

 

Here Kittykittykitty poured on the pressure late and defeated a game Genuine American by a neck at the wire. The winning time was a rapid 16.897 seconds, good for a 96 speed index. The Wes Giles trainee scored his 6^th win from 18 starts. The ultra consistent stakes star is now a winner of over $410,000.

 

The winner earned a $66,000 paycheck for owner Melvin Neugebauer. The popular New Mexico horseman has a thriving hay cube business based in Colorado. Some of his leading Quarter Horses have been Miracle Snow and Go Southern Special.

 

Genuine American ran a strong race for trainer Carl Draper. The 9-2 proposition was near the lead throughout and fought valiantly under jockey Bonifacio Perez. The runner-up could not stall off the long striding winner. Genuine American had won two races in a row at Sunland this meet. He picked up a $23,100 check for the J and L Stables, LLC and Fredda Draper of Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico

 

A First Caller finished third, beaten a length. The multiple stakes winner held a brief early lead with jockey Oscar Rincon. Combined career earnings of the field totaled over $2.6 million.

 

Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 12:45 p.m. The $800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) is less than 2 weeks away. Sunland Park’s biggest day happens on Sunday, March 25. Over $1.6 million in purses including the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks will be on the menu. An all-Thoroughbred 13-race card is planned.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Our Choice explodes late to win $110,000 Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap

 

 

Our Choice exploded like a rocket in mid-stretch to capture an impressive 2 and 3/4-length win in the $110,000 Mt. Cristo Rey Handicap at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Saturday.

 

In a bravura performance, the seven-year-old New Mexico-bred gelding perfectly adapted his come from behind style to the condensed four and one half furlong distance. Under jockey Ry Eikleberry, Our Choice race wide in sixth place early while 31-1 long shot and stable mate Doms Flash forced a wicked pace with Thenew Normal.

 

Coming off the turn, the even money favorite turned up the heat with a six-wide power move and took dead aim on the prize. The exceedingly sharp son of Desert God hit another gear and swept past his opponents with virtual ease. In deep stretch, he was pulling clear with each stride, and Eikleberry geared down the handsome winner just before the finish line. The winning time of 49.57 seconds was the second fastest four and one-half furlong clocking in Sunland Park history. The clocking just missing the track standard of 49.43 seconds held by Key’s Band in 2009.

 

Our Choice has won three straight races since being claimed for $25,000 by trainer Justin Evans on Dec. 27. The versatile stakes winner picked up a $66,000 payday for the Stable H.M.A, of Tempe, Arizona. His record stands at a glossy 10 wins, 6 seconds and 7 thirds from 45 starts. He won the Red Hedeman Mile as a two-year-old in 2007. His most recent stakes win came at Albuquerque in the E.T. Springer last September. His career bankroll stands at over $448,000.

 

Winning conditioner Evans also trained the runner-up Doms Flash. The latter poured on the early pressure and appeared to wear out most of the speed horses in the race. The upstart outran his odds and finished a half length in front of Lester’s Echo. The runner-up earned $23,100 for owners Sandra McKenna and James Drought. The $1 trifecta paid a solid $231.00.

 

Mary Barber’s Pure D Gold fought valiantly to gain fourth place, beaten four lengths. 5-2 second favorite Smash Dancer wound up in sixth place. Thenew Normal was used up in the pace duel and finished ninth.

 

Live racing resumes on Sunday at 12:45 p.m. The $110,000 Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap (4^th race) is the featured event at 350 yards. Jess Burner Memorial Handicap winner Here Kittykittykitty rates prominently.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Yukon Bull holds on to win $27,800 SPRC Claiming Series

 

Racing for red hot trainer Justin Evans, Yukon Bull held on in the final stages to win the $27,800 Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino Claiming Series in a blanket finish on Sunday.

 

Breaking from the outside #8 post position, the muscular son of Songandaprayer shot to the front following the start of the six furlong sprint. Jockey Miguel Hernandez tried to ration the abundant speed from his mount. The popular runner continued to roll on the lead passing the quarter mile marker and looked well clear of rivals. Through the long stretch, Yukon Bull continued on his march but the margin began to shrink in the final furlong. Hernandez kept busy aboard the six-year-old chestnut gelding, and the pair held off a fast closing Uneven Score to win by a neck.

 

Yukon Bull raced as the 8-5 favorite and paid $5.40 to win. The 4-time winner collected a winner’s check of $16,680 for the MJ Racing. The winning time was a sharp 1:09.64.

 

Under jockey Ken Tohill, Uneven Score found a burst of energy in the final furlong and just missed. The runner-up raced at nearly 9-1 odds and was closing with interest. Dry also finished well and wound up third, beaten a half-length. Mason’s Pegasus and River Echo were close behind in fourth and fifth places, respectively.

 

 

Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 12:45 p.m. The $800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) to be run on Sunday, March 25 is only three weeks away. A tremendous field is expected. An all-Thoroughbred program worth over $1.5 million is planned.

Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Saturday, March 3, 2012

First Corona Call overcomes adversity to win $99,825 West Texas Maturity (Grade 2)

 

Despite hitting the gate before the start, the classy First Corona Call came though in the clutch to take a nose victory in the Grade 2 $99,825 West Texas Maturity at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Saturday.

 

Under jockey regular pilot Ricky Ramirez, the highly accomplished New Mexico-bred Quarter Horse reacted to activity in the gate but was able to recover his composure in time to win the 25^th renewal of the prestigious stakes race for older runners. Coming off a fourth place finish in the trials, First Corona Call raced as the 3-1 second favorite in the 400 yard dash. The five-year-old Southern Corona gelding carried over $444,000 in earnings coming into the race.

 

First Corona Call broke on even terms with Zulu Dragon, and the two remained inseparable throughout the race. Mid-way home, First Corona Call moved forward with a slight lead and held the advantage through the finish to win by a nose. The winner muscled his way to a time of 19.03 seconds with no wind blowing. The timing earned a 95 speed index.

 

The talented Trey Wood, son of legendary Quarter Horse conditioner Blane Wood, trained the winner for owner Richard Shearer of Portales, New Mexico. The West Texas Maturity champion collected his 7^th win from 20 starts. He was a fourth place finisher in the 2010 All American Derby and was the runner-up in the 2009 Dash For Cash Futurity at Lone Star Park. The winner’s check of $46,918 pulled his career bankroll to over $490,000.

 

Zulu Dragon, one of two qualifiers for trainer Jose Badilla, Jr., ran a very bold race and just missed. The five-year-old First Down Dash stallion gave the winner a terrific battle and finished three-parts of a length in front of Zoomin Express. The runner-up won the La Plata Stakes at SunRay Park in 2011. He was ridden by Rodrigo Aceves on Saturday.

 

Badilla’s second runner was First Down Master. The top qualifier closed with interest in the final 100 yards but had to settle for fourth place, beaten a length.

 

Live racing resumes on Sunday at 12:45 p.m. The featured 7^th race is the $27,800 Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino Claiming Series at six furlongs.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012

Two Five Figures payoffs at Sunland Park on Tuesday

 

 

Tuesday’s 12-card card at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino yielded two of the highest payoffs of the season.

 

The 10-cent Solo 6 paid a whopping $13,721.04. The wager requires the bettor to be the lone winner after selecting the winners of races seven through twelve. Mr. Pindter won the 11th race and paid $78.80 to win. The Solo 6 wager had gone unsolved for several weeks and had a carryover approaching $10,000 coming into Tuesday.

 

Secondly, the late 50-cent Pick 4 paid $12,798.75 after Super Sapello ($9.60) won the 12th race. The Pick 4 requires the bettor to select the winner of races nine through twelve. There was only one lucky winning ticket holder.

 

Racing resumes on Friday at 12:45 p.m.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Glinda The Good cruises home in $50,000 Island Fashion Stakes

 

The graded stakes placed filly Glinda the Good cruised home a confident three and one-half length winner in the $50,000 Island Fashion Stakes at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.

 

Trained by Steven Asmussen, Glinda the Good roared past a game challenger in Ize in Trouble to take the title in the local prep race for the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks to be run on March 25. Glinda the Good was making her first start since running sixth in the Grade 2 Golden Rod Stakes at Churchill Downs last November 26. She had finished third in the Grade 2 Pocahontas Stakes last October.

 

With her glossy resume, the Hard Spun filly raced as the heavy 1-2 favorite in her Sunland debut and responded in kind with a terrific effort. Under a thoughtful ride from Roman Chapa, Glinda the Good raced comfortably in the third place down the backstretch of the one mile event for three-year-old fillies. The Kentucky-bred responded eagerly to Chapa’s direction and split runners menacingly. The talented filly commenced a strong 3-wide rally heading in the stretch drive.

 

The favorite gained even terms with Ize In Trouble and eventually kicked clear for a dominant win. She sped through the route in a good 1:37.21. The Island Fashion champion is owned by Stonestreet Stables, LLC of Lexington, Kentucky. The winner’s check was $30,000.

 

Ize In Trouble ran a determined race under jockey Miguel Hernandez. After breaking from the outside #9 post position. Ize In Trouble loomed large at the half mile marker and took off with the lead. The Proud Citizen filly produced a dynamic effort in her first two turn effort. She fought valiantly against the favorite but finished a clear cut second. The red hot trainer Weston Martin is her conditioner. Ize In Trouble finished over 4 lengths in front of 18-1 long shot Lotto Ticket who was the early pace setter.

 

El Paso Times Stakes winner Take Me Away Today made an eye catching move at the 3/8’s pole but ran out of steam in the final quarter mile. She and jockey Enrique Gomez finished fourth, beaten nearly 8 lengths.

 

Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 12:45 p.m. A 12-race program is planned.

 

 

 

Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

$800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) supplemental nomination deadline – March 1

 

Free supplemental nominations for the $800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) are due on Thursday, March 1, 2012. Those supplemental nominees will be eligible to start with a fee of $10,000.

 

The 10^th running of the Sunland Derby (Gr. III) will be run on Sunday, March 25 at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino at one and one-eighth miles. First preference will be preferred by lifetime graded earnings. Second preference will be by total lifetime earnings. The first place prize is $400,000 in graded monies which equals a virtual ticket to this year’s Kentucky Derby. Even the runner-up will take home an impressive $176,000.

 

On Feb. 1, 2012, there were 175 free nominations made to the Sunland Derby (Gr. III) with a start fee of $5,000. Trainers such as Todd Pletcher, Steve Asmussen, Bob Baffert, Graham Motion, D. Wayne Lukas, Michael Matz, Thomas Amoss, Doug O’Neill, Jeff Bonde and Henry Dominguez have placed numerous nominations.

 

Horsemen will compete for over $1.5 million in purses on Sunland Derby (Gr. III) day. The $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks for three year old fillies is also part of the all-Thoroughbred program. Last year’s winner Plum Pretty went on to score a victory in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks. Trainers can contact Racing Secretary Michael Shamburg at (575) 874-5238.

 

Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino hosts the $150,000 Borderland Derby sponsored by Casa Ford on Saturday. The enriched local prep to the Sunland Derby (Gr. III) at one and one-sixteenth miles has lured Riley Allison Futurity winner Isn’t He Clever and Santa Anita winner Zackn’t Mat. Post time is 12:45 p.m.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Monday, February 20, 2012

$150,000 Borderland Derby sponsored by Casa Ford attracts Isn’t He Clever on Saturday

 

 

The enriched $150,000 Borderland Derby sponsored by Casa Ford has attracted a quality field on Saturday at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

 

$104,200 Riley Allison Futurity winner Isn’t He Clever returns home for the chief local prep to the $800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) to be run on Sunday, March 25. Locally owned by J. Kirk and Judy Robison, Isn’t He Clever has made a major impact in New Mexico where he remains unbeaten in three starts. Last November, he traveled out to Remington Park in Oklahoma City and ran a strong second in the Clever Trevor Stakes. The bay gelding by Smarty Jones bounced back with a stylish 12 length win in the Riley Allison at Sunland Park and broke the stakes record for the six and one-half furlongs in 1:15.10. He earned a 97 Beyer figure for his effort.

 

The Henry Dominguez trained charge faced elite company in the Grade 2 $200,000 Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita on Feb. 4. He forced a fast pace with jockey Corey Nakatani and led for 6 furlongs before finishing fourth. Alejandro Medellin gets the mount back in the Borderland Derby (11^th race). Medellin has ridden Isn’t He Clever to two career victories. He has earned $125,960.

 

The Robisons have a second runner in the feature with the unbeaten So Far So Fast. The Cuvee gelding has impressed many fans with two nice wins over the local oval going shorter. Red hot rider Enrique Portillo Gomez will be in the saddle.

 

Zackn’mat ships in from Santa Anita fresh off a smart score in a $56,000 maiden race going 7 furlongs on Jan. 29. The Northern Afleet colt ran second to the highly rated Bob Baffert trained runner Fed Biz on Dec. 30 at Santa Anita. The capable Martin Jones is the trainer. Hector Berrios will ride the three-year-old.

 

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf finalist Tequila Factor is also a part of the field. He will be joined by the impressive Sunland Park maiden winner Justanoldsong, Strong Resolve, and the Steven Asmussen trained Major Hope. This year’s Borderland Derby has been enriched by $50,000 from its former value of $100,000.

 

Post time on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday is 12:45 p.m. 12-race cards are planned each day.

Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Fury of the Storm wins $110,000 NMHBA Quarter Horse Stakes

Post Time switches to 12:45 p.m. starting on Tuesday

 

Fury of the Storm closed fast in the final yards to overcome First Blazin Love and win the $110,000 NMBHA Quarter Horse Stakes at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.

 

Coming off a solid second in the Shue Fly Stakes behind First Blazin Love, Fury of the Storm turned the tables on his arch rival with a superb effort under jockey Esgar Ramirez. The 2-1 second choice launched a bold late rally from the outside and stormed home in front by a neck at the wire. The three-year-old Furyofthewind colt responded with a career best performance in a time of 19.124 seconds for the 400 yards. The New Mexico-bred stakes winner paid $6.80 to win.

 

Fury of the Storm picked up a $66,000 payday for with S/M Cattle Export Company and Jaime Dominguez of Peyton, Colorado, The rapidly improving sort owns 3 wins and 3 seconds from 7 starts. He has earned over $147,000 in his brief career.

 

Winning trainer Roberto Sanchez has directed the career of Fury of the Storm since his two-year-old debut last year at SunRay Park. He broke his maiden at Zia Park last September and has blossomed during the Sunland Park Meet. Sanchez also trains the 2011 Rainbow Futurity winner Feature Mr. Bojangles.

 

4-5 favorite First Blazin Love hopped at the start but quickly regained composure and went on the attack. The Chicks a Blazin colt held the lead midway through the stretch but came up just short at the wire. The troubled start may have cost the runner-up. He was ridden by 2011 AQHA riding champion G.R. Carter. First Blazin Love earned $23,100 for owners Dwayne Johnson, Lisa Saumell and Johnny Martinez. The popular runner has won 4 of his last 6 starts.

 

My Big Chief ended up third, beaten a length under jockey Ruben Calderon.

 

Live racing resumes on Tuesday with a new post time of 12:45 p.m. The new post time and 12 race cards will remain in effect for the remainder of the season.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Saturday, February 11, 2012  

Twelve Twenty Two strolls home in $50,000 El Diario Stakes

 

In a consummate performance, Twelve Twenty Two strolled home to an easy four and three-quarter length win in the $50,000 El Diario Stakes at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Saturday.

 

The classy seven-year-old Kafwain mare broke alertly and quickly assumed a stalking position rounding the far turn of the six and one-half furlong race for fillies and mares. Passing the half mile marker, Twenty Twenty Two went on the attack and took command heading into the straightaway. Although briefly challenged by Came West and Oflee Wicked, Twelve Twenty Two responded like a champion and burst clear once again. The Florida-bred raced through deep stretch well clear of both challengers. She stopped the clock in a fast 1:15.95 through some very blustery conditions.

 

Ridden by regular pilot Enrique Portillo Gomez, Twelve Twenty Two picked up her seventh career win. Six of those wins have come at Sunland Park. The 1-2 favorite earned $30,000 for owners Kirk and Judy Robison and the Solitaire Stable of El Paso, Texas. In total, Twelve Twenty Two has made nearly $230,000.

 

The triple stakes winner remained unbeaten over Sunland Park soil for winning trainer Henry Dominguez. Sunland Park’s leading trainer indicated that his mare might next defend her title in the $100,000 Harry Henson Handicap on March 25 ($800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) Day).

 

Both Dominguez and Gomez enjoyed big days on Saturday. Dominguez saddled four winners. Gomez rode three winners.

 

17-1 outsider Came West ran a bold race to finish second. She tried her best to challenge the winner but had to settle for second with jockey Kelsi Purcell. Oflee Wicked made an eye catching move on the far turn but could not maintain her speed. The Offlee Wild filly finished third, beaten over 6 lengths.

 

Future Wagering on the 2012 Kentucky Derby (Pool #1) is now available through Sunday at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. Past performances on Kentucky Derby contenders are available at the program stands. Pool #2 for Kentucky Derby future wagers will be held on March 2-4. Pool #3 takes place on March 30 through April 1. Win and Exacta wagers will be taken for all three pools.

 

Winsham Lad Handicap winner Quiet Again faces Red Lead and Vamoose in the $50,000 Curribot Stakes at one and one-sixteenth miles on Sunday.

 

Post time on Sunday is 12:25 p.m.

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Friday, February 10, 2012

Kentucky Derby Future Wagers (Pool #1) open through Sunday

West Texas Maturity qualifiers

$50,000 El Diario Stakes on Saturday

$50,000 Curribot Stakes set for Sunday

 

Future Wagering on the 2012 Kentucky Derby (Pool #1) is now available through Sunday at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. Past performances on Kentucky Derby contenders are available at the program stands. Holy Bull winner Algorithms was the early favorite at 8-1 followed by Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Hansen at 10-1 odds. The field was listed at 9-5 odds.

 

Pool #2 for Kentucky Derby future wagers will be held on March 2-4. Pool #3 takes place on March 30 through April 1. Win and Exacta wagers will be taken for all three pools.

 

First Down Master was the fastest qualifier for the $99,825 West Texas Maturity. He set the top time for 400 yards in 19.313 seconds. He was followed by Zulu Dragon, 19.335; Source of Speed, 19.368; The Steel Wave, 19.376; First Corona Call, 19.399; Kuhi Little Man, 19.424, Feature Mr Alliance, 19.448, The Rebel Cartel, 19.518, Zoomin Express, 19.564 and Rare Waves, 19.572. The finale will be held on Saturday, March 3.

 

Twelve Twenty Two seeks to remain unbeaten over Sunland Park soil in the $50,000 El Diario Stakes at six and one-half furlongs on Saturday. The Harry Henson and Bold Ego Handicap winner will be ridden by red hot jockey Enrique Portillo Gomez.

 

Winsham Lad Handicap winner Quiet Again faces Red Lead and Vamoose in the $50,000 Curribot Stakes at one and one-sixteenth miles on Sunday.

 

Post time on Saturday and Sunday is 12:25 p.m.

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Friday, February 3, 2012

Isn’t He Clever runs in $200,000 Robert Lewis Stakes (Gr. 2)

On Saturday at Santa Anita Park

 

Sunland Park’s Isn’t He Clever runs in Saturday’s $200,000 Robert Lewis Stakes (Gr. 2) simulcast from Santa Anita Park on Saturday. The near 12-length winner of the $104,200 Riley Allison Futurity is in top form after earning a  97 Beyer Speed Figure.

 

Locally owned by Kirk and Judy Robison, the son of Smarty Jones drew the rail post position for the prestigious three-year-old feature going 1 and 1/16 miles. Corey Nakatani is scheduled to ride the 6-1 morning line proposition. The Robert Lewis Stakes will be the 6^th race and runs at about 4:05 p.m. El Paso time.  Isn’t He Clever is a potential starter in the $800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) to be run on Sunday, March 25. Henry Dominguez trains the 3-race winner of nearly $114,000.

 

The $200,000 Strub Stakes (Gr. II) will also be simulcast on Saturday. Tapizar is the strong 6-5 morning line favorite in the 8^th race

 

2011 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) winner Twice The Appeal is a major contender in the $100,000 Essex Handicap (8^th race) simulcast from Oaklawn Park on Saturday.

 

2010 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) winner Endorsement rolled to victory at Gulfstream Park on Wednesday and set a new track record for 1 and 1/16 miles. The Casner owned son of Distorted Humor was a wire to wire winner in a time of 1:42.35.

 

Live racing at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino resumes on Saturday and Sunday at 12:25 p.m.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Kool Angel wins $50,000 KOFX-Radio Handicap

 

Kool Angel came through with her second straight stakes win of the meet by winning the $50,000 KOFX-Radio Handicap at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

 

The Sunland Winter Quarter Horse Derby winner collected her third straight win of the meet on Saturday by taking the 350 yard feature over a solid field. Under jockey Esgar Ramirez, Kool Angel swept to the front early and held off a late charge from Rylees Boy to win by a neck. The exceedingly sharp mare by First N Kool has been flawless at Sunland Park this meet for trainer Paul Jones. She sped through the distance in a quick 17.297 seconds, good for a 85 speed index. The winner got the jump on her opponents and seemed to relish the short distance.  

Kool Angel earned $30,000 for the Macias Performance Horses. The high four-year-old powered mare has earned over $120,000 from 5 career wins. Her form has taken a big upward surge since coming to Sunland Park this season. The winner paid $8.60 to win.

 

Multiple stakes winning star Rylees Boy found his best strides too late and finished second. The two-time winner of the Sunland Park Regional Challenge Championship raced as the even money favorite under regular pilot Joe Ruiz. The seven-year-old gelding by Heza Motor Scooter made a good bid in the final 100 yards but had to settle for second. The popular runner finished second for owner-trainer Gerardo Pena-Ochoa. Rylees Boy improved his career mark to 17 wins, 9 seconds and 5 thirds from 37 starts. The third place finisher in last year’s Championship at Sunland Park has earned well over $721,000 in his brilliant career.

 

Buildemhigh finished a close third, beaten only one-half length. The 10-1 long shot broke near the lead and was prominent throughout under jockey Vicente Grajeda. A Spring Snow wound up a neck back in fourth place.

 

Live racing resumes on Sunday at 12:25 p.m. Two divisions of the $20,000 SPRC Claiming Series at 5 furlongs are on tap.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Enrique Portillo Gomez pilots 4 winners on Tuesday card and takes lead in standings

 

 

Enrique Portillo Gomez shot to the top of the Sunland Park jockey standings on Tuesday by piloting four winners on the card.

 

The red hot rider had five mounts on the day and won with four of them. His winners were Atlantic Thunder ($4.40) in the 6^th race, Hunting Dixie ($5.60) in the 7^th race, Free Range ($19.60) in the 8^th race and Bolivar Shag ($15.40) in the 10^th race. Chaco Latte, his fifth mount of the day, ran a close third in the 11^th race.

 

The four winner day was a personal best for Gomez and is the most races won in one day by a jockey this meet at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. The talented jockey has 23 wins this season, one better than Miguel Hernandez. Horses ridden by Gomez have earned over $430,000 in only 29 race days.

 

Live racing resumes on Friday at 12:25 p.m.

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Take Me Away Today sweeps to victory in $50,000 El Paso Times Stakes

 

 

Take Me Away Today raced from last to first to capture an impressive two and one-quarter length victory in the 15^th running of the $50,000 El Paso Times Stakes at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.

 

Patiently ridden by the meet’s leading jockey Miguel Hernandez, Take Me Away Today responded with a bold closing effort in the six and one-half furlong feature for three year old fillies. Hernandez guided the Old Topper filly to a rail’s run on the far turn before opening up with an encouraging 5-wide advance in upper stretch. Take Me Away Today inhaled her opponents and was in charge passing the sixteenth pole. The chestnut filly finished well clear of Brooks Beach and was clocked in 1:18.64.

 

Johnnie Nall trained the 9-1 shot winner. Nall won last year’s El Paso Times Stakes with Angel At Home. The 2012 winner paid $21.80 to win.

 

Take Me Away Today recorded her second win from five starts and earned $30,000 for the Tommy Town Thoroughbreds LLC of Santa Ynez, California.

 

Brooks Beach finished a good second under jockey Alejandro Medellin. The El Corredor filly found an opening along the rail in mid-stretch but had no answers for the winner. The runner-up trained by Jose A. Gonzalez finished three-parts of a length in front of Angry Bird.

 

Affable Amy, the 8-5 favorite, gave way in fifth place after making a promising middle move.

 

Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 12:25 p.m.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Saturday, January 21, 2012

That’s Who steamrolls in $110,000 Pepsi Cola Stakes

 

Trainer Joel Marr continued his tremendous meet by winning his fourth stakes race with That’s Who in the $110,000 Pepsi Cola Stakes at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Saturday.

 

Racing as the 6-5 favorite, That’s Who responded in kind with his second straight stakes win of the meet in the 6 furlong stakes race for New Mexico-bred three-year-olds. Under regular pilot Ry Eikleberry, That’s Who drafted off the front running Grey Bird rounding the turn for home. Coming into the stretch, the well bred Quinton’s Gold gelding shot to the front and never looked back. The triple stakes winner stormed home to a 3 length victory in a time of 1:10.45.

 

With his win in the Pepsi Cola, That’s Who earned a $66,000 paycheck for longtime owners Sam and Latane Stevens of Lamesa, Texas. He improved his sterling record to 5 wins, 1 second and 2 thirds from 8 starts. The impeccable sprinter is out of the Hadif mare Rama Lassie. His career bankroll is closing in on $300,000.

 

That’s Who won the Red Hedeman Mile last December and also won the New Mexico Classic Cup Juvenile at Zia Park.

 

Marr saddled Desert Hennessy to stakes wins in both the $110,000 Johnie L. Jamison Stakes and the $110,000 Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap this season.

 

Grey Bird ran a gallant race under jockey Ken Tohill. The grey gelding by Silver Season applied ample pressure early and led by a half length. He swept through fractions of 21.86 and 44.77 seconds but could not maintain his speed through the stretch. The Cal Martin trainee finished second, finishing a half-length in front of May Weather. The runner-up earned $23,100 for owners Janice Johnston and Marjorie Martin.

 

E Bar Way finished a distant fourth under jockey Duane Sterling.

 

Live racing resumes on Sunday at 12:25 p.m. The $50,000 El Paso Times Stakes is the featured 10^th race. Both AFC and NFC Conference Championship games can be seen at the track on Sunday.

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

Friday, January 20, 2012

Championship at Sunland Park (Grade I) winner Cold Cash 123 named 2011 World Champion Quarter Horse

Three Sunland Park runners earn divisional titles

$110,000 Pepsi Cola Stakes on Saturday

$50,000 El Paso Time Stakes on Sunday

 

 

$350,000 Championship at Sunland Park (Gr. 1) winner Cold Cash 123 was named 2011 World Champion Quarter Horse by the American Quarter Horse Association. The world’s best Quarter Horse was one of three Sunland Park horses to earn major titles.

 

Trained by C. Dwayne “Sleepy” Gilbreath, Cold Cash 123 raced to Grade 1 victories in the Rainbow Derby at Ruidoso Downs, the Texas Classic Derby at Lone Star Park and the Championship at Sunland Park. He won six of eight races last year, including five of six at 440 yards. His victory at Sunland Park cemented the title. The gelded son of Oak Tree Special rocketed through 400 yards in 18.733 seconds, the second-fastest time ever clocked for that distance. Cold Cash 123 earned $818,447 through his championship year. He was also named overall champion three-year-old and champion three-year-old gelding.

 

Cold Cash 123 is owned and bred by Carolyn and Walter Bay of the T Bill Stables from Clare, Michigan.

 

Sunland Park stakes winner Rylees Boy was named the champion aged gelding. The model of consistency won the Bank of America Sunland Challenge Championship last spring for owner-trainer Gerardo Ochoa-Pena. The six-year-old also won the Remington Park Invitational (Gr. I) and was third in the Championship at Sunland Park behind Cold Cash 123.

 

Prospect to the Top, Sunland’s 2011 West Texas Derby winner, ended up with the champion three-year-old colt title. The bay speedball earned over $413,000 for owner Joel Tavarez of Odessa, Texas last year.

 

Feature Mr. Bojangles, a fourth New Mexico-based quarter horse, took home the crown of champion two-year-old colt. Under the direction of trainer Roberto Sanchez, Feature Mr. Bojangles won the Rainbow Futurity, Four Corners Futurity and the Hobbs America Futurity. He is owned in partnership by SM Cattle Export, Co., Jaime Dominguez, R.D. Hubbard and Jim Helzer.

 

Saturday’s main event is the $110,000 Pepsi Cola Stakes at 6 furlongs. A terrific field including That’s Who and Tarahumar Flags is in place. The talented pair finished 1-2 in the recent Red Hedeman Mile.

 

Sunday’s feature is the 15^th running of the $50,000 El Paso Times Stakes at six and one-half furlongs. Feisty Flirt is one of the early favorites.

 

Post time on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Friday is 12:25 p.m.

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

 

Friday, January 13, 2012

 

Sunland Derby (Gr. III) winner Twice the Appeal runs second in $75,000 Oaklawn feature

 

Joe Martinez rides 2,500^th winner on Friday

 

$110,000 La Senora Stakes featured on Saturday

 

 

 

 

 

2011 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) winner Twice The Appeal ran a close second in the $75,000 Fifth Season Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Friday. Facing older runners for the first time, Twice The Appeal made a bold wide move on the far turn and loomed large in upper stretch. He battled with Color Me Blue in the final furlong only to lose a close photo finish. Luis Quinonez rode Twice The Appeal for trainer Jeff Bonde. The Sunland hero raced at 7-2 odds. The $800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) champ was making his first start since running in last year’s Kentucky Derby. 4-5 favorite It Happened Again finished third.

 

 

 

Long-time Sunland Park jockey Joe Martinez rode his 2,500^th winner on Friday. He rode Fanny Chenal ($22.00) to victory in the 7^th race for trainer Michael Barber. Martinez is a former riding champion at Sunland Park and recently won the $110,000 Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap aboard Desert Hennessy.

 

 

 

Saturday’s featured 10^th race is the $110,000 La Senora Stakes at 6 furlongs. $110,000 Enchantress Stakes winner Whisper’s Sister is one of the probable favorites. Trainer Joel Marr has two expert sprinters in Quinton’s Doll Who and Easy Loving Who. Post time is 12:25 p.m. Saturday is Heineken Day at the races. The Heineken Girls will be attendance and special door prizes will be given away.

 

 

 

 

 

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Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino

 

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

 

Ribald sets new 6 furlong track record

 

Miguel Hernandez wins 3 on the day to take lead in standings

 

 

 

Ribald scorched his way through the stretch to set a new 6 furlong track record at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Tuesday.

 

 

 

The sharp Justin Evans trainee pulled clear of his starter allowance rivals in the 8^th race to win by four and three-quarter lengths in a fast time of 1:07.60. Under a perfect ride from Miguel Hernandez, the seven-year-old California-bred son of Unusual Heat looked he was shot out of a cannon in upper stretch. The bay gelding blasted away from Western Pine and the pace setting Happy Humor to win under a hand ride. The new benchmark bested the former track record set by Rapper SS of 1:08.01 in 2009. The latter won the Riley Allison Futurity in 2007.

 

 

 

Ribald closed readily into a hot pace of 21.60 and 43.48 seconds for the first two calls. Racing for the BAM Racing LLC, he is a 5-time winner from 21 starts.

 

 

 

Miguel Hernandez won a total of three races on the card and has taken over the lead in the Thoroughbred rider standings. Hernandez won the 5^th race with Northwood Flyer, the 8^th race with Ribald and the 11^th race with Super Champ. He leads a very competitive jockey colony with 15 wins in the young season.

 

 

 

Live racing resumes on Friday at 12:25 p.m. The $286,364 Shue Fly is the featured event on Saturday. Red Lead headlines the field in Sunday’s $50,000 Winsham Lad Handicap at one mile and 70 yards.

 

 

 

 

 

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SunlandParkRacetrack and Casino

 

Saturday, December 31, 2011

 

Cold Cash 123 dominates $350,000 Championship at Sunland Park (Grade 1)

 

That’s Who scores in $110,000 Red Hedeman Mile

 

 

 

 

 

Cold Cash 123 made a powerful statement for 2011 World Champion Quarter Horse honors after scoring a dominating 1-length win against a world class field in the $350,000 Championship (Grade 1) at Sunland Park on Saturday.

 

 

 

The Rainbow and Texas Classic Derby winner added the Championship atSunlandParkto his shining resume. The three-year-old gelded son of Oak Tree Special ran a near perfect 400 yard race in an extremely fast time of 18.733 seconds. The timing earned a 103 speed index and just missed the track record of 18.613 seconds set by Double Down Special. The winning time is believed to be among the top three fastest 400 yard clockings in Quarter Horse racing history, and there was no win blowing. Not know for his getaway abilities, Cold Cash 123 came out of the gate in first place and immediately had his rivals in a deep hole. The long striding sort assumed command early under jockey Roy Baldillez, and the duo increased their advantage down the lane.

 

 

 

Baldillez said in a post race interview, “He’s been so great. Today, he left there better than all year. He cruised on home. I wasn’t worried about the 400 yards. He’s pretty powerful. He could have won going 250 today. It didn’t matter. He ran a super race.”

 

 

 

Cold Cash 123 won the Grade 1 feature soundly defeated his elders under a hand ride. The 9-5 favorite paid $5.80 to win. He caps off a tremendous season by winning 6 of 8 races and earning three Grade 1 titles. He has won 6 of his last 7 races. The winner’s check was worth $157,000 for the T. Bill Stables. The champion sophomore has earned nearly $1 million under the direction of trainer C. Dwayne “Sleepy” Gilbreath.

 

 

 

Combined earnings in the Championship atSunlandParkfield was over $5 million.

 

 

 

Bodacious Dash, runner-up to Cold Cash 123 in the Rainbow Derby, ran another superb race. Under jockey Ricky Ramirez, the First Down Dash colt fired well along the inside and produced a gallant second place effort.  The runner-up earned a sizeable $70,000 for owner Johnny Trotter. Bodacious Dash is one of the leading three-year-old colts in the country. Trey Wood trains the 6-time winner and 2010 winner of the Texas Classic Futurity.

 

 

 

Rylees Boy duplicated his finish in last year’s Championship by running a solid third. Last season’s New Mexico Regional Challenge Championship winner tried his best under jockey Joe Ruiz. The veteran six-year-old gelding remained in third place throughout the feature. He picked up $32,000 in prize monies for owner-trainer Gerardo Ocho-Pena.

 

 

 

Louisiana Senator finished fourth, beaten over 2 lengths.

 

 

 

 

 

That’s Who held off a game run from Tarahumar Flags to win the $110,000 Red Hedeman Mile. Under jockey Ry Eikleberry, That’s Who relaxed kindly off the lead racing into the first turn and gradually began to pick up steam. Passing the 3/8’s pole, the 8-5 favorite commenced a powerful run and took over the lead at will.

 

 

 

During the stretch run, That’s Who responded when challenged by Tarahumar Flags. He kept his rival at bay and a driving finish by three parts of a length. The 7-5 favorite paid $4.80 to all his loyal supporters.

 

 

 

Under trainer Joel Marr, That’s Who also won the New Mexico Classic Cup Juvenile atZiaParklast fall. The two-year-old New Mexico-bred son of Quinton’s Gold earned $66,000 paycheck for owners Sam and Latane Stevens ofLamesa,Texas. The double stakes winner has earned over $210,000 in his brief career.

 

 

 

Tarahumar Flags loomed large in second place with a terrific ride from Enrique Portillo Gomez. The former $12,500 claiming winner responded courageously in his first attempt around 2 turns. The runner-up made the winner work in a prolonged stretch drive. The son of Avenue of Flags earned $23,100 for the Kings Ransom, LLC of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Henry Dominguez is his trainer.

 

 

 

E Bar Way, winner of the Eddy County Stakes atZiaPark, finished a distant third. The 4-1 shot ridden by Duane Sterling was beaten 12 lengths.

 

 

 

Live racing resumes on Sunday at 12:25 p.m. The $110,000 Albert Dominguez Memorial Handicap is the featured 10^th race.