What to know about 2025 Sunland Derby on Sunday. Feb. 16: Post time, tickets
The 20th running of the 1 1/16th mile Sunland Derby will highlight a 10-race on Sunday at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino located in Southern New Mexico.
The Sunland Derby will feature both local and out of town horses with some big name trainers and jockeys.
What time does Sunland Derby day races start?
The races will begin at 12:25 p.m.
What time will Sunland Derby start?
The Sunland Derby is expected to start at 4:17 p.m.
2025 Sunland Derby tickets, parking
Admission to the races and parking are free.
Why is Sunland Derby important?
The race serves as a Kentucky Derby prep race, offering 20 qualifying points to the winner for entry to the 2025 Run for the Roses. This year’s Sunland Derby field has nine horses.
McKinzie Street late scratch in Sunland Derby
Trainer Justin Evans said his horse McKinzie Street will be scratched because of a high fever. Evans, who dominated Sunland Park for years, hoped to score his first Sunland Derby win.
Bob Baffert horse Maysam is favorite in Sunland Oaks
The one mile Sunland Oaks, which has 20 qualifying points to the winner for entry to the 2025 Kentucky Oaks, has a field of seven.
Baffert’s horse Maysam is the 9-5 favorite.
“I like this filly,” Baffert said. “She has just one start, but she’s got potential.”
Other horses in the field are Rogue Justice, Runnin N Gunnin, Pink Pacific, Enchanting, Street Colors and Stubby.
Jockeys Joel Rosario, Rafael Bejarano in 2025 Sunland Derby
Some of the top jockeys in the field include Rafael Bejarano, Florent Geroux and Joel Rosario.
How to bet on 2025 Sunland Derby races?
Win, place and show bets are common and the minimum bet is $2. A win bet is where the horse has to win, a place bet is where the horse can finish first or second and a show bet is where the horse can finish first, second or third.
Other popular bets are the exacta and trifecta bets, which include two and three horses, respectively. Both bests can be made with as little as $1 or $2.
El Paso Times sports reporter Felix F. Chavez’ trifecta for the Sunland Derby is Getaway Car, Remember Big Jim and Itsmybirthday.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
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