Sandy's Surprise dominant in Zia Park Oaks

Sandy’s Surprise won the first stakes race of her career in commanding fashion Wednesday, when she shuttled to a 4 3/4-length victory in the $300,000 Zia Park Oaks. Ever So Clever closed from last for second, while it was another neck back in third to The Incident.

The Zia Park Oaks was the richest of nine stakes on the annual Land of Enchantment card at Zia Park in Hobbs, N.M. The program worth $1.2 million featured six Thoroughbred stakes, including the $200,000 Zia Derby won by Cedartown ($17.60), and three Quarter Horse stakes led by the Grade 1, $150,000 Distance Championship won by reigning world champion Jessies First Down ($3.80).

The Oaks went as the final race on the card. Sandy’s Surprise ($7) broke well and settled in behind dueling leaders Mountain Goddess and Kell Paso, who put up fractions of 23.88 seconds for the opening quarter, 47.97 for the half-mile and 1:12.56 for six furlongs. On the final turn, Sandy’s Surprise found herself stuck between rivals, but when in the clear in the stretch she accelerated, storming home to cover 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:44.66.

“I tried to go to the lead, but I could see the other horses really wanted it,” said Mario Gutierrez, who was aboard for trainer Doug O’Neill. “I had to wait a little longer than I wanted, but it turned out good. As soon as I saw an opening I went, and she kicked tremendously.”

O’Neill also was impressed with Sandy’s Surprise.

“I’m so happy with her performance,” he said. "I’d love to thank her owners for the great opportunity and all their faith and support.”

Sandy’s Surprise, who races for STD Racing Stable, John Fuller and Neil Haymes, was moving back to dirt off a 10th-place finish in the Grade 3 Autumn Miss at a mile on turf Oct. 29 at Santa Anita. The Zia Park Oaks was her third career win and the first-place check of $120,000 that she earned increased her career bankroll to $283,915. Sandy’s Surprise is a daughter of Drosselmeyer.

O’Neill said plans are to be determined for Sandy’s Surprise, but that she will be considered for the La Brea on Dec. 26 at Santa Anita. He added that the Houston Ladies Classic at Sam Houston in late January is another possible option down the line.

Proud and Fearless, the favorite in the Zia Oaks, finished fourth, while Mountain Goddess, Kell Paso and Escape Clause rounded out the order of finish.