At a Glance: It’s Hard to Be Imposing at the Sunland Derby

The Street to the Kentucky Derby stops for the $600,000 Sunland Park Derby (G3) in New Mexico on Sunday; It’s a qualifying race that awards 50 factors to the winner and basically ensures a spot on the beginning gate on Might 6. additionally Churchill Downs.

My That Chook Used as a stepping stone to victory within the Kentucky Derby (G1), ending fourth within the 2009 Sunland Derby, 2015 Sunland Derby winner Firing line went on to complete second American Pharaoh Within the first jewel of the Triple Crown. Seven individuals participated on this yr’s competitors.

one. how did he do that (9-2 morning line charges): good magic Colt was a 2-year-old pickpocket winner and enters this race a second later the Sunland Derby contender one in Vermillion Riley Allison on the Derby. On paper this race was not very quick and it could be truthful to be skeptical of the primary two.

2. low expectation (6-1): Made a profitable transition from turf to soil, successful back-to-back races in 2018. Santa Anita Park in a front-running type, however the competitors right here turns into considerably more difficult than when a virgin claims a race and an allowance-optional demand race.

3. Fort Bragg (4-1): Fort Bragg, who completed third in Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) at age 2, dropped to fifth place for brand spanking new coach Yakteen within the San Felipe (G2) Stakes on March 4 in Santa Anita. No 3-year-old San Felipe high quality winner Sensible Motion entered right here, so he has an opportunity to punch the Kentucky Derby ticket. Want others.

4. henry s (3-1): Received his second straight race with 14 3/4-length smothers in his first try on the Mine That Chook Derby, stretching for about two corners. It was an excellent first recreation for him. Blame Colt is on his first begin for coach Todd Fincher and is in a quick race, in line with the velocity determine makers. He ought to face some stress for the early lead, however he is additionally gained from the tempo and appears like a successful risk at this level.

5. one in Vermillion (6-1): The Riley Allison Derby was his third consecutive win, and he rested after his first try at a mile from dash distances. With eight weeks of relaxation, he is certified to enhance and can probably have to run the quickest race of his life to achieve the winners circle.

6. It is laborious to know (2-1): Second to Stabilmate by one neck new door He was a career-best racer within the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (G3). Arduous to Form has labored nicely in preparation for this race and with seven weeks of relaxation between begins it may be laborious to beat him. It appears that evidently it may possibly obtain a super set up. Vote.

7. wild on ice (20-1): He sprints 2v2, however misplaced by over 20 lengths in each the Riley Allison Derby and the Mine That Chook Derby in his final two begins. It appears overly cohesive at this level.