The Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby has carved out a legitimate spot on the Triple Crown trail since its purse was boosted significantly in 2003. The field for Sunday’s renewal drives that point home, as four of the nine runners set to start hail from two of the biggest names in racing, trainers Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher.
Were it not for the Kentucky Derby victory of Mine That Bird in 2009, the 12th running of the Sunland Derby would not be worth $800,000. It would not carry 85 points toward inclusion in the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field. And it certainly would not deserve the ongoing attention of deep stables like those of Todd Pletcher and Bob Baffert, who between them send out four of the nine entered in Sunday’s running.
Intense Holiday, Albano, and Vicar’s in Trouble – the first three finishers in the Risen Star Stakes – are among eight 3-year-olds headed to the Louisiana Derby, Fair Grounds stakes coordinator Scott Jones said Wednesday.
We Miss Artie is an appealing wager at 7-2 or higher in the Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park.
Bond Holder, fourth in the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, continues being treated for laminitis at a Florida veterinary clinic, trainer Doug O’Neill said Thursday.
Bayern, the unbeaten 3-year-old who has yet to run in a stakes, worked a half-mile in 47.40 seconds Thursday, preparing for a possible start in the $1 million Santa Anita Derby on April 5.
The just-ended long winter will be temporarily forgotten Saturday when Turfway Park almost certainly will send a horse or two to the Kentucky Derby by way of its annual showcase, the Grade 3, $550,000 Spiral Stakes.
California Chrome, the easy winner of the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on March 8, is being prepared for the $1 million Santa Anita Derby on April 5.
Commissioner, who earlier this year won an allowance over the well-regarded Top Billing, will add blinkers for the Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Park Derby on Sunday, said his trainer, Todd Pletcher. The horse was one of nine entered in the 1 1/8-mile stakes when the field was drawn Wednesday.
Tamarando was pegged as the 3-1 morning-line favorite after being assigned post 4 in a full field of 12 for the Grade 3, $550,000 Spiral Stakes, the annual Turfway Park signature event, set for Saturday in Florence, Ky.
