The date for the 2025 Sunland Derby and Sunland Oaks at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino is set.
Both races will be on Feb. 16 and will be key prep races for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks respectively.
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The Grade III Sunland Derby began in 2003 and will be contested at 1 1/16th miles. The race has produced 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird and 2015 Kentucky Derby runner-up Firing Line.
Jockey Joel Rosario and Stronghold (5) cross the finish line to win the Sunland Park Derby at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, in Sunland Park, New Mexico, Sunday, February 18, 2024. The 19th annual Sunland Park Derby (Grade III) Stakes was the premiere race of the day and the $400,000 race gives the winner 20 qualifying points towards entrance into the 2024 Kentucky Derby.
The winner of the Sunland Derby will earn 20 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby. Stronghold won the 2024 Sunland Derby, then won the Santa Anita Derby and went on to compete in the Kentucky Derby.
The winner of the Sunland Oaks will earn 20 qualifying points toward the Kentucky Derby. Recharge won the one mile Sunland Oaks earlier this year.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached@elpastimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: When is the Sunland Derby, Sunland Oaks in 2025?