For Immediate Release
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
MERANGO TANGO REMAINS PERFECT, DERBY CONTENDERS ARRIVE
OKLAHOMA CITY – Another sharp effort kept Merango Tango undefeated after he pulled away to win a Wednesday night $32,475 allowance event at Remington Park. Both of his career starts have taken place this season.
Owned by Alan Booge Racing of South Sioux City, Neb. and trained by Tim Padilla, Merango Tango was ridden from his rail post position by Cliff Berry. The 3-year-old colt stalked the early pace set by Quick Dagger, staying second behind him until the top of the homestretch. Berry asked Merango Tango for a little more with a furlong to go and he drew off to win the six-furlong sprint in 1:09.49 over a fast main track.
Winter Scout rallied for second, 2-3/4 lengths behind the winner with The Rock Rolls along for third. Quick Dagger faded to fourth.
The wagering favorite at 6-5 odds, Merango Tango paid $4.60 to win, $3.60 to place and $2.60 to show. Winter Scout returned $18.60 to place and $7.60 to show. The Rock Rolls paid $3.40 to show.
A Virginia-bred colt by 1999 Belmont Stakes winner Lemon Drop Kid from the Red Ransom mare Ransom Dance, Merango Tango made $17,847 for his second consecutive triumph. His total earnings now stand at $34,545.
Wildcat Red and Edison Take Up Local Residence
The Grade 3, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby will be contested on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Remington Park, headlining a special afternoon program of racing worth over $1,000,000 in total purses. Just prior to the first race on Wednesday, Wildcat Red moved into his Remington Park home for the next two weeks after vanning to the stable area from Will Rogers World Airport where his flight arrived before 5pm.
The winner of the Grade 3 Hutcheson Stakes and Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park in February, Wildcat Red finished second by a nose in the Grade 1 Florida Derby there in March. The colt went on to the Kentucky Derby where he was a disappointing 19th before rebounding to run third in the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park this summer.
Wildcat Red will have plenty of time to acclimate to Remington Park and Oklahoma City weather prior to his Oklahoma Derby attempt. Wildcat Red is trained by Jose Garoffalo.
Trainer Robertino Diodoro used the strategy of arriving early in 2013 when he brought Broadway Empire in to Remington Park over a week from winning the Oklahoma Derby. He is repeating the tactic again this year as he sent Edison to Remington Park on Tuesday evening. The winner of the Grade 3 Canadian Derby at Northlands Park in Edmonton, Alberta last month, Edison is following the same path as Broadway Empire did a year ago.
The final nominations for the Oklahoma Derby and all of the stakes on the Sept. 28 program close on Thursday, Sept. 18.
Remington Park Thoroughbred racing continues Thursday thru Saturday, Sept. 18-20, with a first race nightly at 7pm. The $50,000 Tishomingo Stakes (colts & geldings) and $50,000 Te Ata Stakes (fillies) are featured for 3-year-old Oklahoma-breds on Friday night.
Remington Park is open daily at 10:30am for simulcast racing and casino gaming, featuring the Bricktown Brewery on the casino floor. Admission, general parking and valet parking are always free at Remington Park, the home of the Grade 3, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby on Sunday, Sept. 28.
Tracked by over 66,000 fans on Facebook and 5,500 Twitter followers, Remington Park is Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino and is located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit remingtonpark.com.
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Photo Credit: Dustin Orona Photography
For more information, please contact:
Dale Day
405-425-3215
dale.day@remingtonpark.com
