Sunland Park Racetrack delivered a full afternoon of stakes racing Sunday, Jan. 18, with four featured races highlighting different divisions and distances on a nine-race card. From emerging 3-year-olds to seasoned older runners, the day’s stakes results reflected both depth and variety as the winter meet continues to build toward its marquee events.
The $100,000 Riley Allison Derby provided the afternoon’s longest test, sending a field of 3-year-olds one mile around the Sunland Park oval. Daneyko emerged best, covering the distance in 1:37.53 under jockey Alfredo J. Juarez. Trained by Edward J. Kereluk for owner Roys Mansur, Daneyko finished strongly to secure the victory, with Way Beyond and Forty Seven completing the top three. The Riley Allison Derby has long served as a proving ground for developing runners, and Sunday’s result added another name to its history.
Photos By Coady Media
Speed returned to the spotlight in the $75,000 Ft. Bliss Stakes, where older sprinters lined up for six furlongs. Augusta Melody proved sharp throughout, stopping the clock in 1:08.76. Trained by Robertino Diodoro and ridden by Orlando Mojica, Augusta Melody prevailed over Neiman and Ryvit, continuing a day in which decisive finishes defined the stakes races.
Photos By Coady Media…