Kentucky Derby winning owner Mark Allen sweeps the day with
$131,707 Sunland Winter Quarter Horse Derby with Time for a Cigar
Templar Knight in the $224,407 Sunland Winter Quarter Horse Futurity


Sunland Pk., NM - December 27, 2009 - Owned by Kentucky Derby winner Mark Allen of the Double Eagle Ranch, Time for a Cigar sped to a dramatic neck victory in the $131,707 Sunland Park Winter Quarter Horse Futurity at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.

Under jockey Freddie Martinez, Time for a Cigar closed powerfully in the final 100 yards to win the 400 yard Grade 2 Quarter Horse feature for the Double Eagle Ranch and trainer Tony Sedillo. Breaking from the #2 post position, Time for a Cigar chased down the fast starting Jodys Money Pop and the game Christmas Cheer to gain a narrow edge in the blanket finish. The three-year-old Corona Cartel gelding posted a winning time of 19.18 seconds, good for a 94 speed index.

Last summer, Time for a Cigar won the Ruidoso Quarter Horse Derby. He earned $61,902 on Sunday, pushing his lifetime take past $317,000. He improved his overall record past the $300,000 mark. The 3-1 shot paid $8.40 on a $2 win ticket.

Mark Allen is co-owner of the 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird.

Christmas Cheer finished a close second, a length in front of Jodys Money Pop. 3-5 favorite Louisiana Senator finished a disappointing fourth, beaten one and one-half lengths.

Mark Allen and trainer Tony Sedillo came back to sweep the day’s Quarter Horse stakes by winning the $224,407 Sunland Winter Quarter Horse Futurity with Templar Knight. Under jockey Kenny Muntz, the fast improving son of First Down Dash surged in the final strides to collect a head victory in the 400 yard Grade 2 feature. The good looking sorrel gelding closed fast from fifth place in mid-stretch.

Templar Knight earned a big paycheck of $105,472 from his second career win. He sped through the 400 yards in 19.334 seconds, earning a 90 speed index. The rapidly developing two-year-old should be one to watch from the Double Eagle Ranch of Roswell, New Mexico.

An unlucky Double Down Special broke in the air at the start but still managed a terrific race. The son of The Down Side closed boldly from last place to earn second place under jockey Ricky Ramirez. The runner-up earned $40,393 for owner Vanessa Bartoo of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

A Sweet Gamble finished a close third under jockey Tad Leggett. The filly earned $24,685 for owner Amber Blair.

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