Intriguing Cast Set for $800,000 Sunland Derby

Firing Line is the 8/5 morning line favorite in the field of eight, and finally escapes the undefeated Dortmund whom he suffered narrow losses to in the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Futurity and Grade 3 Robert Lewis.  Trained by Simon Callaghan, Firing Line has won one of four career starts with three second place finishes.  The biggest question for Firing Line might be the mile and one eighth distance of the Sunland Derby.  Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens has the mount breaking from the rail. 

Lord Nelson tries to handle added distance

Lord Nelson (3/1) won the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes February 1 over 2014 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Texas Red at seven furlongs, but faded to fourth in the Grade 2 San Felipe last out.  The Bob Baffert trainee has won three of six starts for earnings of $273,571.  Like Firing Line, the extended distance of the Sunland Derby is a concern for the speedy colt who has never won around two turns. 

Asmussen shipper could be live 

Tiznow RJ (5/1) ships in from Fair Grounds for trainer Steve Asmussen after finishing third in the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes and seventh in the Grade 2 Risen Star in his last two starts.  The son of two-time Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Tiznow possesses a high cruising speed and the pedigree to handle the distance.