Nitrous by a head in Riley Allison Derby

Nitrous won his two-turn debut on Sunday, closing from last for a head victory over Sheriff Brown in the $106,000 Riley Allison Derby at Sunland Park. It was another 5 3/4 lengths back to McAwesome in third.

The Riley Allison was the first of two local preps for the Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Park Derby on March 24. The next race is the Mind That Bird Derby.

Nitrous ($3.20) was favored Sunday after establishing his class last year with a third-place finish in the Grade 1 Hopeful at Saratoga. He was bumped right out of the gate in the Riley Allison and spotted the field several lengths going into the first turn.

Nitrous continued to trail as McAwesome set fractions of 23.65 seconds for the opening quarter, 47.23 for the half-mile, and 1:11.78 for six furlongs. Nitrous came four wide into the stretch and fought with a resilient Sheriff Brown through the lane to win in a photo. He covered the mile on a fast track in 1:36.98.

Luis Contreras was aboard for trainer Steve Asmussen.

Nitrous is a son of Tapit who races for the partnership of Winchell Thoroughbreds and Stonestreet Stables.

Also on the card, Parade of Roses withstood a claim of foul for a neck win over K P Slickem in the $65,000 Borderplex. The race is a local steppingstone to the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks. The objection was lodged by the rider of K P Slickem and was disallowed by the stewards. Parade of Roses returned $15.

Ry Eikleberry was aboard the winner, who covered 6 1/2 furlongs on a fast track in 1:17.56. Parade of Roses is by New Year’s Day. She races for Josh Shanahan and is trained by Nate Williams.