Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Big Dee roars to win $100,000 Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap
Multiple stakes winner Big Dee roared to a convincing half-length victory in the $100,000 Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Saturday.
Let go at nearly 3-1 odds, the 2021 Zia Derby and 2021 New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Derby winner flashed great speed from the start of the 350-yard feature and continued
through the finish. The New Mexico-bred four-year-old gelding returned to his winning ways following third place finishes behind Colby James in the $100,000 Red or Green Stakes
and the $100,000 Dona Ana County Stakes.
Ridden by Mario Delgado, Big Dee earned the 9th victory of his illustrious career. The son of Big Daddy Cartel earned $60,000 for the victory, pushing his career bankroll to
over $427,000. He sped through the 350 yards in 17.559 seconds, good for 94 speed index. Big Dee is trained by red hot conditioner James J. Gonzales, III. The champion
stakes horse owned by Rex Wells of Friona, Texas paid $7.80 to win.
Rex Wells also owns Colby James. Trainer James J. Gonzales has three stakes wins this season at Sunland Park. The other two stakes triumphs came with Colby James as well.
Fly On Down generated a late surge on the outside to gain second place honors under jockey Sergio Dominguez. The 5-1 shot finished a head in front of Don Chuy C, but was
no threat to the winner.
Cat Daddys Lil Girl, the recent winner of the $100,000 Lou Wooten and Sydney Valentini Handicap, raced as the even money favorite for trainer Wes Giles. The highly regarded
multiple stakes winning mare of over $554,000 never had a shot in the feature following a very slow start and finished in tenth place.
Live racing resumes on Sunday at 12:25 p.m.
