Runaway Ghost makes splash at Sunland

Runaway Ghost established himself as the leading local hope for the Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Park Derby last Sunday, when he won the track’s first prep for the race, the Riley Allison Stakes, by 7 3/4 lengths under Tracy Hebert. He earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 84 in the one-mile Riley Allison, the first two-turn win of his career.

“We wanted a big finish, and that’s exactly what he gave us,” said trainer Todd Fincher. “That was very encouraging.

“He didn’t engage until the rider asked him to. He’s listening to the rider, and that’s what we’re looking for. The first time he ran [two turns] he went off on his own and wasn’t listening to the rider. The other day, it looked like it didn’t bother him to sit there and do whatever the rider asked him to do.

“They’ll run as far as they possibly can if they’ll settle and listen to the jockey.”

Fincher said Runaway Ghost will now target Sunland’s second prep, the $100,000 Mine That Bird Derby on Feb. 25. The Sunland Derby, a points race for the Kentucky Derby, is March 25.

On the Mine That Bird Derby undercard, Fincher will start Kram in the $75,000 Island Fashion, a prep for the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks. Kram, who is 2 for 3, will be making her two-turn debut in the mile race.

“I’m very excited about stretching her out,” Fincher said of the daughter of Colonel John.

Runaway Ghost and Kram could give Fincher a memorable spring.

“Those two are on a trail that could lead them to something special if everything goes right,” he said.