8% Purse
Reinstatement begins on Sunday
Future wagering on Kentucky Derby/Oaks open through Sunday
$86,854 West Texas Maturity stages on Saturday
Sunland Park, NM - March 5, 2010 - Officials at Sunland Park Racetrack and
Casino announced an 8% purse reinstatement this week. The positive purse
adjustment takes place on Sunday and will remain in effect for the remainder of
the meet. The reinstatement will amount to $16,000 more per day in purses.
Business on both the casino and racing side of the plant has recovered enough to
erase the 8% reduction in purses which hit before the start of the meet. In a
recessionary climate, Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino and Oaklawn Park rank as
two of the few tracks in the nation to have increased purse monies in recent
months. Additionally, Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino switched from an 11 to
12-race format three weeks earlier the usual this year.
Future win and exacta wagering on this year’s Kentucky Derby is available now
through Sunday. Also, future win wagering on the Kentucky Oaks is also on the
betting agenda. Past performances are available.
Saturday’s main event is the $86,854 West Texas Maturity (5th race) at 400
yards. The lightly raced Jess Dellaree is the top qualifier for the red hot barn
of Andres Gonzalez. The fast son of Feature Mr Jess has won 2 of 3 races in his
career and looked dominant in the trials. He rates as the 8-5 morning line
favorite with jockey Martin Bourdieu. Jess Dellaree won his trial in a lightning
fast 18.91 seconds. Wr Okie Smoker counters with much more experience. The
proven stakes horse has 5 wins and 5 seconds from 18 starts and beat a stronger
field in his trial heat. The 3-1 second choice has earnings topping $102,000.
Post time on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Friday is 12:55 p.m.