Poni Colada Downs Field in Borderland Derby

Robert Zollars and Mark Wagner's PONI COLADA (Volponi) came charging from last and galloped to an eight-length triumph in the $100,000 Borderland Derby at Sunland Park on Saturday. Jockey Alfredo Juarez Jr. allowed the Steve Asmussen sophomore to find his stride while unhurried early. At the head of affairs, Mr. Golden Ruler (Tribal Rule) sprinted away from the field and built up a huge lead through rapid fractions. The pacesetter was thoroughly exhausted leaving the far turn, but Poni Colada was gathering plenty of steam, and he inhaled Mr. Golden Ruler in a few jumps. The farther Poni Colada went, the farther ahead he surged, ultimately crossing the wire in a final time of 1:47 for 1 1/16 miles on the fast track.

Cape Time (Cape Canaveral) checked in second, with Santa Anita shipper No Jepordy (Storm Boot) third. Poni Colada has compiled a 7-3-1-0 record, which reflects a score in the Eddy County S. at Zia Park, to go along with $123,366 in earnings. The blaze-faced chestnut has been well beaten in his three stakes attempts outside New Mexico, including a sixth-place finish in the Smarty Jones S. at Oaklawn Park in his prior start. The cleverly named Poni Colada, who is out of Coconut Willamina (Pleasant Colony), could target the $600,000 WinStar Derby at Sunland on March 16...