Twice the Appeal pulled off an astonishing upset in the $800,000 Sunland Derby (gr. III) tonight at Sunland Park, taking the lead from favored Astrology in the stretch to win by just over a length.
Sent off at 25-1 under Christian Santiago Reyes, the dark bay or brown colt had run second in the Turf Paradise Derby but had been disqualified to fourth. He was not expected to be able to win against such a spectacular field as this one, yet did so in impressive fashion.
The race unfolded pretty much as expected. Sinai broke poorly but was quickly sent to the lead. Through very quick fractions of :22 3/5 and :45 flat he led the way over Nacho Saint, Astrology, and R Skydiver. Twice the Appeal was mid-pack early, while Beer Meister, winner of the Turf Paradise Derby, was last of all.
Turning for home, Twice the Appeal had threaded his way through traffic and confronted Astrology for the lead. The latter had inherited the lead after Sinai and Nacho Saint had given way. A brief duel ensued, with Twice the Appeal drawing away to take the lead. Ruler On Ice made a huge run and nearly nipped Astrology for second, but had to settle for third. It's My Party rallied for fourth at 40-1, with Beer Meister charging belatedly for fifth. The final time was 1:50.91.
Nacho Saint, Fusa Code, R Skydiver, Supreme Ruler, Behold de Buy, and Sinai completed the order of finish.
-Keelerman
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