Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
by Eric Alwan
American Dubai breaks one mile track record
The rapidly improving American Dubai served notice on Tuesday by setting a new track record for one mile at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.
Racing as the even money favorite in a $31,400 allowance optional claiming event (4th race), American Dubai rocketed away to a 5-length victory over Let’s Meet In Rio and stopped the clock in an eye opening 1:34.50. The clocking broke the former benchmark of 1:34.62 set by Buddha Lady in 2008. Ken Tohill rode the high powered four-year-old E. Dubai colt for trainer Rodney Richards. The victory was the second straight at the meet for the imposing four-year-old runner. As a three-year-old, American Dubai was stakes placed in the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park.
$115,113 West Texas Maturity and West Texas Derby trials on Friday
Live racing resumes on Friday at 1:30 p.m. The $115,113 West Texas Maturity (9th race) and five trials for the West Texas Derby will power an all-Quarter Horse 9-race card. Multiple stakes winner Klassic Strawfly and Gbh Gunsmoke are some of the leading contenders in the 30th renewal of the West Texas Maturity at 400 yards.
Klassic Strawfly is an 11-year-old with career earnings nearing $575,000. He set the top qualifying time with jockey Alejandro Medellin. Gbh Gunsmoke has won 3 of his last 4 starts and won his trial with speed to spare.
The West Texas Derby trials at 400 yards will comprise races 4 through 8.
Photo Courtesy of: Coady Photography
