Sunland Park: Proceed stays perfect by taking Mine That Bird Derby

Proceed remained undefeated in three starts on Saturday, when he comfortably held off Rebranded for a two-length win in the $120,000 Mine That Bird Derby at Sunland Park. It was another 12 3/4 lengths back in third to Ima Happy Strike.

[ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays]

The Mine That Bird was a prep for the Grade 3, $800,000 Sunland Derby, which will be a consideration for Proceed, said his trainer, Joel Marr. The 1 1/8-mile race is March 23.

Proceed ($4.60) won the first two starts of his career against New Mexico-breds, among his victories the $85,000 Red Hedeman Mile at Sunland. He also was a 14-length debut winner at Zia Park. In the Mine That Bird Derby, Proceed favored and content to stalk the pace contested by D E Lover, Ima Happy Strike, and Alsono. Proceed advanced three wide on the turn for home and went on to cover 1 1/16 miles on a track rated fast in 1:42.47.

Alfredo Juarez Jr. was aboard for owner Michael Stinson.

The Mine That Bird Derby was Proceed’s first start since Dec. 28, and Marr said rather than shorten the horse in distance for a New Mexico-bred stakes, he elected to await the Mine That Bird.

The race was named for the 2009 Kentucky Derby winner who led the post parade Saturday, outfitted in the No. 8 saddle towel he wore when winning the classic. Mine That Bird was based in New Mexico.

As for Proceed, he is a son of Desert God who was bred by Stinson.