Horse racing field set for Sunland Derby 2025 at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino
Getaway Car is the 9-5 morning-line favorite in Sunland Derby
The field is set for the 20th running of the Sunland Derby.
Nine horses will compete on Sunday, Feb. 16, in the $400,000 Sunland Derby. which serves as a Kentucky Derby prep race, offering 20 qualifying points to the winner for entry to the 2025 Run for the Roses.
The field was announced on Sunday, Feb. 9, at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino in Sunland Park, New Mexico.
The 1 1/16th mile classic anchors a huge day of racing in Sunland Park, including the Sunland Oaks and New Mexico-bred stakes. The Sunland Derby is for 3-year-old thoroughbred.
The Sunland Derby will be race No. 9 and the post time will be at 4:17 p.m. The first race of the day will be at 12:25 p,.m.
Here is a look at the field for the Sunland Derby.
Post position 1: Itsmybirthday
Itsmybirthday drew morning-line odds of 20-1 and is trained by Robertino Diodoro.
Post position 2: Remember Big Jim
Remember Big Jim is trained by Sunland Park trainer Dick Cappellucci and finished second in the Riley Allison Derby.
Post position 3: Smash It
Sunland Park trainer Todd Fincher will look to win this year’s race with Smash It, who has run first or second six times in eight starts.
Post position 4: Getaway Car
The 9-5 morning-line favorite is trained by Bob Baffert, a three-time winner of the Sunland Derby.
Post position 5: Spenard
Spenard has finished first, second or third in all three previous races.
Post position 6: Take Charge Tom
Take Charge Tom has won all three career starts and won the Riley Allison Derby last month at Sunland Park.
Post position 7: McKinzie Street
McKinzie Street is trained by former Sunland Park trainer, Justin Evans, and has finished in the top three in four of five starts.
Post position 8: Touchy
Touchy is trained by Wesley Ward and willl get Joel Rosario aboard.
Post position 9: Caldera
Caldera is trained by the legendary D. Wayne Lukas was last seen winning a race at the famed Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs., Arkansas.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
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