Sunland Park Derby 2025: Picks & Betting Analysis

Sunland Park Race 9 (23:17) – The Sunland Park Derby  

Bob Baffert has not dominated this race like her has The Sunland Park Oaks. He has still won it three times. His No4 Getaway Car has a class edge on his rivals. He was a Grade 3 winner in California last summer. Since then, he's mainly ran with credit against the best of his generation in his state. That includes Breeders' Cup Juvenile and tepid Kentucky Derby favourite Citizen Bull.    

No8 Touchy ran into an improving three year old in a stake at Turfway last month. He is bred to improve stepping up from sprints. No9 Caldera has already form at today's distance, breaking his maiden by open lengths at Oaklawn last time. The form of his previous race has been franked by the winner. He is progressive.  

There was a local stakes trial for this race on 17 January. No6 Take Charge Tom beat Remember Big Jim (2) and No3 Smash It. The winner was making it three from three. He has an adaptable racing style which may be crucial to his chances of running big. No3 Smash It ran well the way the race was run. The late running Remember Big Jim (2) may have won if he'd kept a straight course late on. He is likely to get a similar set up.  

Jockey Orlando Mojica seems to prefer No6 Take Charge Tom over stablemate No1 Itsmybirthday. They have similar profiles and may improve for more ground. No7 McKinzie Street has ran in much more classy races in California. He's worked well since a trainer change. He's a rebound possibility.   

Verdict 

No4 Getaway Car faces much softer competition than he has in California. He may be hard to beat but at the prices No6 Take Charge Tom and No9 Caldera seem to have more appeal. I'd be leaning towards that pair.    

*You can bet on the Sunland Park Derby 2025 on betfred.com via the hyperlink...