Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Bad King rolls to 18-1 upset win in $90,000 Pepsi Cola Stakes
Bad King made no mistakes en route to an 18-1 upset win in Saturday’s $90,000 Pepsi Cola Stakes for New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.
The well-bred 4-year-old son of Eye Am King grabbed the early lead, avoiding trouble throughout, and won by a half-length against a stellar field on older stakes horses.
Trained by James J. Gonzales III, Bad King showed speed all the way and stopped the clock for the 350 yards in a fast 17.101 seconds. The timing earned a 101-speed index.
Christian Cardenas rode the winner for owners Nove Racing, LLC, Triple Racing Stables LLC, Antoinette Gonzales and Patricio Venzor.
The Pepsi Cola stakes triumph was worth $54,000. Bad King’s fourth career win pushed his lifetime earnings to nearly $341,000. He paid a resounding $38.80 on a $2 win ticket.
Flash Divine finished with interest to earn second place with Luis Martinez in the saddle. The $1 exacta returned a healthy $149.40.
Former stakes winner Jesses Wish was a non-threatening third at nearly 11-1 odds. He was beaten a half-length. The show horse sparked a $1 trifecta worth $1,533.50.
$400,000 Sunland Derby happens on Sunday
Sunday is Sunland Park’s biggest day. The $400,000 Sunland Derby will be the 9th of 10 races. The Kentucky Derby prep race is one of the best ever.
Bob Baffert’s Getaway Car is the 9-5 morning line favorite. He comes with Grade 1 stakes experience. In total, 5 big stakes will be carded.
Post time is 12:25 p.m. for the all-Thoroughbred program.
