Sir Rick scores impressively in $100,000 Mine That Bird Derby
Sir Rick stamped his ticket to the $700,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) on March 22 after a smashing 4-length win in the $100,000 Mine That Bird Derby on Sunday at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.
The three-year-old Paynter colt bullied his rivals with a sharp turn of foot in the final quarter mile of the one mile and one-sixteenth prep to the Sunland Derby (Gr. III). Under jockey Francisco Arrieta, Sir Rick blasted away from Top Draw in upper stretch and never looked back. He won with speed in reserve and paid $5.40 to win as the 8-5 favorite.
The sharp sophomore was coming off a big 5 length win at Sam Houston earlier this year. He is trained by Robertino Diodoro. The winner earned $60,000 for owner Richard Davis. He clocked the distance in 1:44.23.
The Mine That Bird Derby is a prep race for the Sunland Derby.
Top Draw ran a gallant second for Judge Lanier Racing. He was prominent throughout and never quit. He finished over three lengths in front of Stackin Silver.
Photo Credit: Coady Photography