Loading ...Feb 24 2019
Sunland Sunday: Mine That Bird Derby, Island Fashion, Curribot Handicap
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Sunday, Feb.24, Sunland Park. New Mexico’s finest track brings us the race of the week, the Mine That Bird Derby, named after the horse who didn’t win anything here but placed 4th, then went on to win the Kentucky Derby at about 50-1.
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Runaway Ghost runs away from the field in the G3 Sunland Derby 2018 to get his Kentucky Derby ticket. (Las Cruces Sun News photo)
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The MTB Derby could be a stepping stone for the Sunland Derby and Triple Crown action. It’s not a points race but is important to gauge against other 3yo competition. Sunland will also run the Island Fashion, an equivalent race for 3yo fillies on the Kentucky Oaks trail.
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Notable in the field are Todd Fincher’s Hustle Up in his 10th race already after rattling off 2 straight stakes wins in New Mexico, and Steve Asmussen’s Wicked Indeed in his 4th start after a 4th in the Lecomte G3.
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Doug O’neill looks to crash the party with 2nd time starter One Flew South, who broke his maiden easily upon first asking at Turfway Park for Wesley Ward. The race thus looks chalky but they’re young 3yo’s so anything can happen.
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Get the Sunday Sunland Grid here to make your picks!
