The $500,000 Sunland Park Derby will anchor a card of six stakes worth $1.1 million when it is renewed on Feb. 15, according to a press release from Sunland. The New Mexico track opens its 55-date meet Jan. 2 and will race through April 5.
The Sunland Derby, which last year was worth $400,000, will be run over 1 1/16 miles. It offers Kentucky Derby points to the first five finishers on a scale of 20-10-6-4-2.
The $250,000 Sunland Park Oaks will offer Kentucky Oaks points on the same scale. The one-mile race shares a card with the Sunland Derby.
The $100,000 Riley Allison Derby at a mile Jan. 18 serves as the local prep for the Sunland Derby.
The final card of the meet April 5 is highlighted by the $200,000 Sunland Park Stakes at 1 1/8 miles and the $125,000 Mine That Bird Derby.
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.