Racing


Delight Interest Dominates West Texas Derby Trials Saturday at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino
Delight Interest, under jockey Manuel Gutierrez, cruises to the top qualifying time in five trials contested today for the Grade 3 West Texas Derby on Saturday at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino.

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Delight Interest Dominates West Texas Derby Trials Saturday at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino

SUNLAND PARK, NM—FEBRUARY 4, 2023—Starting off a runner-up effort in the Grade 2 Evangeline Downs Futurity in his last start December 16, Delight Interest rolled to a 2-1/2 length trial win while posting the fastest time for the $127,100 Grade 3 West Texas Derby on Saturday at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino.

The 10 fastest qualifiers, from five trial races contested over 400 yards today, will return to Sunland Park on Saturday, February 25th to vie for the winner's share of purse valued at $59,737.

Under jockey Manuel Gutierrez, Delight Interest was speed all the way while clocking :19.139 seconds, a 110 speed index and the fastest time of the day. Josue Ponce saddled the son of Separate Interest for owner Triple Five.

Bred in Oklahoma by George Mitchell, from the Volcom mare Volcoms Delight, Delight Interest has compiled a (9) 3-3-1 record and banked $82,134. He was also a finalist in the Oklahoma Juvenile Stakes at Remington Park last year.

Trainer Eric Valenzuela sent out Leviton to a neck win over Viper Drive in the fourth trial to get the second fastest time of :19.215, a 108 speed index. Sergio Becerra, Jr. rode the lightly raced son of champion and champion sire Jess Good Candy for owner AA Farms, LLC.

Bred in Louisiana by Lester Colomb, Jr., from the Pyc Paint Your Wagon mare Pyc First Prize Mia, Leviton finished third twice in three starts at 2.  Today's win the first for the bay colt. He has earned $9,390 in four outs.

Valenzuela also saddled fourth fastest qualifier Fireside Chat, a Favorite Cartel colt for owner Empire Racing.

Wesley T. Giles led all trainers with three finalists. The previously mentioned Viper Driver, by Kvn Corona was 3rd fastest; Kj Wicked Wanda, by Apollitical Sprit was 7th fastest; and A Candy Dynasty by FDD Dynasty was the 10th fastest qualifier for Giles.

For a complete list of qualifiers, times, sies, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.