Tag Archives: Sunland Park Racetrack

Host Tom Dawson talks about the main action on the Derby Trail this week, mainly the $400,000 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park.

Breaking from the outside stall to the rail, Ete Indien shot straight to the front in an impressive gate-to-wire victory and earned 50 qualifying points towards the Kentucky Derby.

At Oaklawn, Silver Prospector won the $750,000 Southwest stakes, but trainer Steve Asmussen says the 3 year old colt will likely remain at Oaklawn. However, there could be others from that race with designs on the Sunland Derby.

One of the riders here that day could be Kentucky Derby winning rider Joel Rosario, and a good bet for his mount could be Bob Baffert trainee and El Camino Real Derby winner Azul Coast.

In case you missed it, Riley Allison Stakes winner Rowdy Yates finished fourth in the first running of the $800,000 Saudi Derby on Saturday.

Back at Sunland Park, there’s big time quarter horse racing on tap this weekend with the $185,000 West Texas Derby highlighting Saturday’s card.

Tom Dawson talks about all the action at the track, starting with February 23, where Sunland Park Racetrack hosted its final major prep day for the Sunland Derby and the Sunland Park Oaks.

The $100,000 Mine That Bird Derby had a small but competitive field with Sir Rick taking the victory and setting up a likely shot at the $700,000 Sunland Derby.

In the Island Fashion Stakes, the first two spots went to local trainer Justin Evans, whose two winning fillies were recently brought in from Northern California.

Oaks winner Shanghai Keely has raced the mile distance three times before and is now a prime candidate for the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks.

In the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Park, Azul Coast finished strong at the mile and one eighth distance, which sets him up for a possible trip to Sunland Park on March 22nd according to Hall-of-Fame trainer Bob Baffert.

Sunland Park’s Tom Dawson talks about this Sunday’s card, with four big stakes races including the $100,000 Mine That Bird Derby, which is the last local prep for the Sunland Derby.

The $75,000 Island Fashion serves the same purpose for fillies looking towards running the Sunland Park Oaks.

There will also be a pair of $100,000 stakes run for New Mexico breds in the Dominguez Memorial and the Red Hedeman Mile.

Nationally, Risen Star Stakes favorite Anneau d’Or was nowhere to be found at the Fair Grounds as long-shots Modernist, Major Fed and NY Traffic took the top three spots and picked up valuable Kentucky Derby points.

On Saturday, “Bourbon & Whiskey at The Park” returnis to the Borderland area this Saturday, Feb. 22 from 6 to 11 p.m. El Paso and Southern New Mexico area residents have the opportunity to experience the flavors of over 60 different bourbons, whiskeys, and scotches, including many premium brands.

The festival takes place at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, inside the Turf Club & Franklin’s Lounge. The event is open to the public and will feature live music entertainment.

“We invite everyone to come out to sip and savor a wide-variety of high-quality, premium spirit beverages,” said Ethan Linder, director of marketing for Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. He added that “every time we hold this event, it attracts large crowds, especially after a day of live horse racing.” The racetrack is currently in its 61st racing season.

The popularity of this event may also be attributable, at least in part, to millennials. CNBC recently reported that sales of Irish whiskey have grown 61% in the United States over the last five years, thanks to the “willingness” of adults in that age group to spend more for higher quality alcohol.

To entertain everyone in attendance, live music acts performing during the festival will include the following artists:

• Dusty Low: Country, Folk, Indie
• Redemption Rock: Classic Rock

Tom Dawson brings you a complete recap on 3 year old races around the country and the bearing they may have on the upcoming Sunland Derby.

At Santa Anita, Thousand Words won the Robert B. Lewis making the 3 year old colt a Sunland Derby prospect.

At Aqueduct, Max Player pulled a mild upset in the 2020 Withers and Tiz The Law took the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park, making both potential prospects for this year’s Sunland Derby.

At Sunland Park, focus is now on Saturday’s card featuring the La Coneja Stakes for fillies and mares and on Sunday’s Winsham Lad Handicap which will be headlined by impressive opening day winner Pendleton.

For more info, visit Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino’s website.

Sunland Park’s Tom Dawson brings you a recap of Sunland Park’s first big prep weekend for the Sunland Derby & Sunland Park Oaks.

In the $100,000 Riley Allison Derby, Steve Asmussen trained Rowdy Yates (three previous stakes wins) topped the field. In the $65,000 Bordeplex, Dynasty of her Own beat favorite Luck Be Mine.

Oaklawn opened its 2020 season with the $150,000 Smarty Jones and another Asmussen winner, Gold Street, led from gate to wire for the win.

Next local go around for three-year-olds will come on February 23 when the $100,000 Mine That Bird Derby is on tap along with the $75,000 Island Fashion for fillies.

For more info on upcoming events and races, visit Sunland Park’s website or Facebook page.