A Tincup Cocktail upsets field in $98,376 West Texas Maturity (Grade 2)

Sunland Park, NM - March 5, 2011 - Dismissed as a 17-1 outsider, A Tincup Cocktail surged in deep stretch to grab a neck win in the $98,376 West Texas Maturity (Grade 2) at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Saturday.

With the red hot Alejandro Medellin aboard, A Tincup Cocktail delivered a tour de force performance against a stellar field racing 400 yards. The former allowance winner from Zia Park produced a career best and defeated the razor sharp Strike It Quick and Whathaveigottado in the process.

Starting from the #2 post position, A Tincup Cocktail broke well in second place and gained the lead in deep stretch. The Colorado-bred son of Corona Cocktail took control and held off a furious bid from Honor Me Good to win by a neck. A Tincup Cocktail earned his first win of the meet in the Grade 2 stakes. He stopped the clock in a good 19.293 seconds, earning an 88 speed index. The rapidly improving speedster paid $37.80 to win on a $2 win ticket. He earned a $46,237 pay day for winning owner Eduardo Corral.

The six-year-old sorrel gelding picked his first career stakes victory. Winning trainer Tony Sedillo indicated the Bank of America New Mexico Championship Challenge at Sunland Park could be his next assignment in April.

Honor Me Good ran a valiant race to earn a close second under jockey Oscar Rincon. The 9-1 shot earned $17,708 for the Ranchos De Los Potrillos of El Paso, Texas.

Sunland Winter Quarter Horse Derby winner Whathaveigottado suffered the first loss in his last four Sunland starts. The talented son of Shazoom and 1989 All American Futurity winner Strawberry Silk closed with late interest but had to settle for third. He and jockey Ramon Sanchez were only beaten a half-length.

Strike It Quick raced as the even money favorite carrying a 3-race win streak. The KOFX Radio Handicap winner and 350 yard track record holder broke well but lacked his normal sizzling speed. The five-year-old son of Royal Quick Dash made a mild effort and was well beaten in fifth.

Alejandro Medellin continues to enjoy a terrific campaign. Last season’s overall jockey champ won four races last Tuesday. He drove home at least 4 winners on Saturday’s card and is opening up his lead in the Thoroughbred rider standings. At press time, he has 53 winners overall for a winning clip of nearly 20 percent.

Live racing resumes on Sunday at 12:45 p.m. The $800,000 Sunland Derby (Grade III) is quickly approaching. Sunland Park’s biggest day happens on Sunday, March 27.