Preview Racing


Eleven Sophomores Entered Back in Grade 3, $210,852 West Texas Derby
Fastest qualifier New News will head a full field in Saturday’s 400-yard, $210,852 West Texas Derby (G3) at Sunland Park.

© Coady Photography
Eleven Sophomores Entered Back in Grade 3, $210,852 West Texas Derby

BY MICHAEL CUSORTELLI

SUNLAND PARK, NM—APRIL 17, 2019—Eleven 3-year-olds, including one also-eligible entry, have been entered back in Saturday’s 400-yard, $210,852 West Texas Derby (G3) at Sunland Park.

New News, the fastest qualifier from nine trials run on March 29, drew post 8 and will be ridden by J.R. Ramirez for trainer Roberto Armendariz. A gelded son of Majestic Cartel campaigned by Elco Armendariz and Omar Ruiz Jr., New News has won both of his starts during the current Sunland Park meet, including the first West Texas Derby trial.

Rustys Miracle, the fourth-fastest qualifier, has also won both of her outs at Sunland, including the fifth West Texas Derby trial. Trained by Fred Danley for owner J & SM Inc. of Fort Stockton, Texas, the sorrel daughter of Valiant Hero has earned $98,954 from 10 races, and the filly’s seven wins include a half-length victory in last year’s 400-yard, $100,000 Rainbow Juvenile Invitational Stakes at Ruidoso Downs.

Rustys Miracle drew post 3 and will be ridden by Sergio Becerra Jr.

The complete lineup, in post position order including jockey assignments:

  1. George W 43 (Alan Hernandez)
  2. Cd Better Be First (Raul Herrera)
  3. Rustys Miracle (Sergio Becerra Jr.)
  4. Walking On Katella (Esgar Ramirez)
  5. Ganster Americano (Manuel Gutierrez)
  6. Cds Wine N Dine (Paul O. Garcia)
  7. Canonball Run (Jose A. Alvarez)
  8. New News (J.R. Ramirez)
  9. Guardianne (Jesse Levario)
  10. Midday News (Felipe Garcia-Luna)
  11. AE-C Breeze (Jaime P. Leos)

All Sunland Park races can be seen at Q-RacingVideo.com.