Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino
Saturday, February 10, 2018
by Eric Alwan
Concord Fast runs downs stablemate to win $75,000 Budweiser Handicap
With a determined stretch drive, Concord Fast ran down stablemate Mt Veeder to win the $75,0000 Budweiser Handicap at Sunland Park Racetrack Casino and Hotel on Saturday. Both multiple stakes winners were trained by leading conditioner Justin Evans.
Patiently handled by leading rider Ry Eikleberry, Concord Fast launched a major bid from over 5 lengths off a hot pace set by Mt Veeder with 3/8’s of a mile to go in the 6 furlong feature. At the top of the stretch, Mt Veeder still held a considerable cushion over Concord Fast. Concord Fast continued to cut into the margin and eventually wore down the front runner deep stretch. The 2016 Riley Allison Derby winner powered to a one-length win and caught the distance in a fast 1:09.15 through the blustery conditions. The winner returned $4.60 to win.
Concord Fast collected $45,000 for the Teed Off Stable LLC. He has earned nearly $305,000 from 5 career wins. Three of those wins have come over Sunland Park soil. He reversed a second place finish behind Mt Veeder in the $65,000 KLAQ Handicap on opening weekend.
Mt Veeder had to settle for second and setting the tempo. The runner-up earned $15,000 for owners Bill Tomasic and Go-To-Toga Racing. The fast son of Ghostzapper set fractions of 21.81 and 44.59 seconds, respectively. He raced as the 6-5 favorite
Keller’s Gold was a distant third, beaten 8 lengths.
K P Wildcat closes fast to win $75,000 El Diario Handicap
2017 Harry Henson Handicap winner K P Wildcat enjoyed a triumphant return to her favorite track by annexing the $75,000 El Diario Handicap with a fast closing performance. Under regular pilot Roimes Chirinos, the Sunland Park horse for course shot through a rail’s opening at the top of the stretch and surged past Kell Paso to win by a length in the six and one-half furlongs co-feature for fillies and mares.
The 4-5 favorite delivered another exquisite performance, winning for the 5th time from 6 starts over the local oval. She earned $45,000 for owner Karl Pergola. K P Wildcat was last seen winning the Zia Park Distaff last November. Trainer Weston Martin had her in sharp form on Sunday. The five-year-old daughter of Include ranks as of the one finest race mares in the Southwest. She could next be seen defending her title in the $100,000 Harry Henson Handicap on March 25. She has earned nearly $420,000 from 10 career starts.
Bold Ego Handicap winner Kell Paso put in another compelling effort but had no answers for the winner. Greg Green’s filly finished second, a length in front of 22-1 long shot Babes Cylver Slew.
Live racing resumes on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Photo Credit: Coady Photography
