Sir Rick wins Mine That Bird Derby, sets up Sunland Derby bid

In his first start for trainer Robertino Diodoro, Sir Rick on Sunday won Sunland Park’s Mine That Bird Derby and set himself up for a shot at a bigger prize next month.

The $100,000 Mine That Bird is the main local prep for the Grade 3, $700,000 Sunland Derby, which pays its winner 50 points toward the 2020 Kentucky Derby. The 1 1/8-mile Sunland Derby goes off March 22, six weeks before the First Saturday in May.

Sir Rick established himself as an early contender for the Sunland Derby by mounting a dominant effort Sunday in the 1 1/16-mile Mine That Bird.

Jockey Francisco Arrieta let Sir Rick go out to an early lead in the field of five, and the Paynter colt set an opening panel of :24.26. Top Draw pulled up to Sir Rick’s inside, and those two moved in tandem to make the half-mile in :48.25.

Sir Rick put his nose back in front coming through the second turn and opened a lead. He drew off in the stretch, scoring by four lengths to stop the clock in 1:44.23 and return $5.40 as the 8-5 favorite.

Miguel Hernandez trainee Top Draw hung tough to finish second, while Stackin Silver was third after shipping from California for trainer Richard Baltas.

Richard Davis campaigns the Kentucky-bred Sir Rick, who’s already started at five tracks – Lone Star, Louisiana Downs, Delta Downs, Sam Houston and now Sunland – over six starts.

The colt entered Sunday’s stakes off a last-out allowance optional claiming win Jan. 18 at Sam Houston for former trainer Steve Asmussen.