Sunland Park
Two Down Automatic best in Fall Derby
Bill Pitt, Jr. Two Down Automatic wins the Sunland Park Fall Thoroughbred Derby over a muddy track at Sunland Park on Sunday.
Two Down Automatic ran to his 1-5 odds Sunday when he rolled to a two-length win over Russian Elite in the $53,100 at Sunland Park. It was another two and a quarter lengths back in third to Rollicking Caller.
Two Down Automatic ($2.60) settled in about four lengths behind Southern Twilight, who led the field through an opening quarter in 44.09 seconds. The eventual winner went wide into the stretch and rallied past the leaders, covering six and a half furlongs over a muddy track in 1:15.87.
Ted Gondron rode Two Down Automatic for trainer Steve Asmussen. The colt earned $31,860 for the win, which was his fourth from 12 starts. He has now earned $196,978 for his owner, Dapple Stable.