Flash Bak bests Empressum in Championship at Sunland Park

Flash Bak darted to a half-length win over reigning world champion Empressum in the Grade 1, $350,000 Championship at Sunland Park on Sunday. It was another 1 1/2 lengths back in third to Rc Corona King.

Kj Desparado, an earner of $3 million, finished fifth as the favorite. He broke fifth from the rail in the six-horse field Sunday.

Flash Bak ($5.40) came into the Championship at Sunland Park off a win over Empressum in the Grade 1 Champion of Champions on Dec. 9 at Los Alamitos. Flash Bak on Sunday was always prominent and covered 440 yards on a fast track in 20.93 seconds. Hesa Party Wagon was vanned off after falling, according to the chart of the race.

Flash Bak was the second choice in the Championship at Sunland Park after winning the Champion of Champions at 9-1. Francisco Calderon was aboard Sunday for Valeriano Racing and trainer Heath Taylor, who also conditions Empressum.

The Championship at Sunland Park was held in January rather than its traditional late December date as this year's meet opened later than usual, on Jan. 5.

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