Sunland Derby Post-Position Draw on Sunday, March 15
The post-position draw for the 2020 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) will happen on Sunday, March 15 starting at noon in the Sunland Park Turf Club. The entire process will be broadcast live on the Sunland Park simulcasting network and Facebook Live.
Sunland Derby (Gr. III) runs on Sunday, March 22
The $700,000 Sunland Derby will be run in a all-Thoroughbred card to be held on Sunday, March 22. Over $1.4 million in purses will be presented on Sunland Park’s biggest day. Sunland Derby day in 2019 generated an all-time New Mexico State record handle of over $4.8 million. It was the most ever bet in the 60-year history of Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.
Advance wagering on the Sunland Derby (Gr. III) day card will begin on Saturday, March 21.
This year’s winner of the Sunland Derby (Gr. III) earns 50 qualifying points for the Kentucky Derby which is a virtual berth for the “Run for the Roses.” Second place earns 20 points. The third place finisher gets 10 points and fourth gets 5 points.
Elite horses from around the country are expected to compete in the Sunland Derby (Gr. III), $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks, $100,000 Bill Thomas Memorial Stakes and $100,000 Harry W. Henson Handicap. Also on the big card are the $120,000 New Mexico Breeders’ Oaks, $120,000 New Mexico Breeders’ Derby and the $120,000 NMSU Stakes.
Post time for the Sunland Derby (Gr. III) day program is 1:00 p.m.