Verraco possible for Sunland Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. -- Verraco’s win in an optional claimer for 3-year-olds on Friday may lead to a start in the $800,000 Sunland Derby in New Mexico on March 22.

Trainer Jim Cassidy said on Saturday that Verraco emerged from his second career win on Friday in good order, and that Sunland Derby and the $550,000 Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park on March 21 were mentioned as possibilities by owner Deron Pearson.

Cassidy said Verraco is doubtful for the $1 million Santa Anita Derby on April 4. The stable intends to run Ocho Ocho Ocho, the winner of the Delta Downs Jackpot in Louisiana last November, in the Santa Anita Derby. Ocho Ocho Ocho will have his 2015 debut in the $400,000 San Felipe Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on March 7.

Verraco ($13.60) closed from last in a field of five under jockey Elvis Trujillo to win Friday’s optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles by a neck over 7-10 favorite Cyrus Alexander, who broke slowly and closed well in the final furlong. Verraco was timed in 1:43.66.

By Old Fashioned, Verraco won a $50,000 claiming race for maidens on Dec. 28 and was second in an optional claimer on turf in January. He has yet to run in a stakes.