©Coady Photography | Sunland Park Race Track & Casino
Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, by Eric Alwan
Sunland Park, NM – March 9, 2019 — The ultra-consistent Jacky Martin 21 *(Heritage Place Yearling Sale Graduate) collected his first career stakes win in the 32nd running of the $128,515 West Texas Maturity (Gr. III) on Saturday at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.
The fast four-year-old son of Fdd Dynasty dueled for the lead early in the 400 yard dash and wrestled control in deep stretch to win by a half-length over a determined Ebw Gypsy. J.R. Ramirez rode the gelding to victory for trainer Ricardo Armendariz. Jacky Martin 21 earned $60,395 for the 21 Partnership. He improved his overall record to 3 wins, 6 seconds and 2 thirds from 12 starts, and now has earned over $106,000. As a three-year-old, Jacky Martin 21 consistently placed in major derby trials at Ruidoso Downs last summer.
Jacky Martin 21 returned $7.40 to win as the 5-2 second favorite. He posted a fast time of 19.260 seconds, good for a 97 speed index despite getting bumped at the start.
Ebw Gypsy fought hard the entire way battling with the winner and only yielded in the final strides. The 3-time winner survived a close photo finish with Boogies Special Dash to earn second place. The runner-up was ridden by Daniel Amaya for trainer Juan Gonzalez. The daughter of Desirio earned $23,130 for owners Ernie and Brenda Wood of Colorado City, Colorado.
Boogies Special Dash closed fast in the final 100 yards to get third place with jockey Adrian A. Ramos.
The 2-1 favorite was Believe Me Irene. The multiple stakes winner failed to muster her customary closing punch and finished fourth.
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Live racing resumes on Sunday at 12:50 p.m. The $800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) is quickly approaching and will be run on Sunday, March 24. The live post-position draw for the Sunland Derby (Gr. III) happens on Sunday, March 17 in the Sunland Park Turf Club starting at noon.