2013 Sunland Derby
Video Provided By: Partymanners2
Fast-developing Govenor Charlie became the latest colt to jump into the Triple Crown fray when the Bob Baffert trainee dominated eight 3-year-old opponents in winning the $800,000 Sunland Derby (gr. III) March 24 at Sunland Park in New Mexico. Govenor Charlie, winning by five lengths, set a track mark at Sunland, running 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.54. Though he was facing winners for the first time, the son of Midnight Lute was no secret to the bettors, who made him the 13-10 favorite. Govenor Charlie earned 50 points toward a coveted start in this year’s Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) under the new Derby qualifying system. Martin Garcia delivered Govenor Charlie to the winner’s circle for Baffert and owner/breeder Mike Pegram to cap a huge day for the longtime partners. A race earlier, Midnight Lucky secured the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks with Rafael Bejarano riding by eight lengths for Baffert and Pegram. Midnight Lucky, who like Govenor Charlie has little experience, earned her way into this year’s Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) with the victory. The winner earned $400,000 for the Sunland Derby, his second victory in a row following a runner-up finish in his debut sprinting Jan. 19. In his prior race at one mile, Govenor Charlie graduated in a game effort in his first route try while earning a 100 Beyer figure. Govenor Charlie is out of the unraced Storm Cat mare Silverbulletway, whose dam was Pegram’s champion Silverbulletday.
