The Sunland Park Derby is a highly anticipated race for three-year-olds, offering a purse of $400,000 and a distance of one and one-sixteenth miles.
Race Details
- Purse: $400,000
- Distance: One and One Sixteenth Miles (Dirt)
- Eligibility: Three-Year-Olds
- Lasix: Not permitted
- Post Time: 6:17 PM ET on Sunday, February 16, 2025
Field Overview
- Itsmybirthday (KY) – Jockey: H Hernandez, Trainer: R Diodoro, Weight: 123 lbs, Odds: 20/1
- Remember Big Jim (KY) – Jockey: E Gonzalez, Trainer: D Cappellucci, Weight: 123 lbs, Odds: 12/1
- Smash It (LA) – Jockey: F Geroux, Trainer: T W Fincher, Weight: 123 lbs, Odds: 12/1
- Getaway Car (KY) – Jockey: J J Hernandez, Trainer: B Baffert, Weight: 123 lbs, Odds: 9/5
- Spenard (KY) – Jockey: L A Valenzuela, Trainer: T Birdwell, Weight: 123 lbs, Odds: 20/1
- Take Charge Tom (KY) – Jockey: O Mojica, Trainer: R Diodoro, Weight: 123 lbs, Odds: 8/1
- McKinzie Street (KY) – Jockey: R A Vazquez, Trainer: J R Evans, Weight: 123 lbs, Odds: 4/1
- Touchy (KY) – Jockey: J Rosario, Trainer: W A Ward, Weight: 123 lbs, Odds: 7/2
- Caldera (KY) – Jockey: R Bejarano, Trainer: D W Lukas, Weight: 123 lbs, Odds: 5/1
Key Insights
- Getaway Car is the morning line favorite with odds of 9/5. Trained by Bob Baffert, this horse has shown strong performances in previous races, including a second-place finish in the Los Alamitos Futurity.
- Touchy is another strong contender with odds of 7/2. With a solid track record, this horse has the potential to perform well in the Derby.
- McKinzie Street and Caldera are also well-regarded, with odds of 4/1 and 5/1 respectively. Both have shown good form in previous races.
- Itsmybirthday and Spenard are long shots with odds of 20/1. While they may not be favorites, they could still surprise if they have a good day.
Strategic Considerations
- Early Speed: Jockeys will need to decide whether to challenge early or sit back and make a move later in the race.
- Track Position: The dynamics of the track and positioning will be crucial, especially for horses that prefer running on the inside.
- Weight Differences: The slight weight differences might play a role, especially for horses carrying less weight like Getaway Car and Touchy.
