Maiden Go Kitty Go Springs Borderland Ambush

Maiden Go Kitty Go stormed past weakening 11-10 favorite Rocky Gulch to post a major surprise in Sunday's $105,450 Borderland Derby for 3-year-olds at Sunland Park.

The California-bred colt by Tale of the Cat won by 1 1/4 lengths at odds of 24-1 in a time of 1:37 4/5 for the one-mile Borderland. Miguel Fuentes rode the dark bay for trainer Mac Millar and owner Sylvia and Vernon R. Hauschild.

Rocky Gulch was looking for his fifth win a row, but the pacesetter was under pressure throughout while negotiating fractions of :22 3/5, :46 2/5 and 1:12. He was passed temporarily on the turn by Hi Teck Man and Willionaire on the home turn, but battled back to regain the lead in the stretch. But he had little left when Go Kitty Go fired home in the stretch.

Unhurried early, Go Kitty Go rallied from behind while five wide on the final turn. He moved into third in the stretch and took aim at Rocky Gulch and Hi Teck Man. Go Kitty Go wore down the leader near the sixteenth pole and edged away.

Tommy Town Thoroughbreds, LLC bred Go Kitty Go, who is from the dam Miami Margie (by Shadeed).

The winner paid $50.40, $13 and $4.60. Rocky Gulch returned $3.40 and $2.40. Hi Teck Man showed for $3. The $2 exacta was worth $174.40.