Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino (Saturday, April 12, 2008)
Illybilly win $50,000 Czaria Handicap at 19-1 odds


Illybilly - Photo Credit: Eugene O'Neill / Coady Photo

19-1 longshot Illybilly upset her rivals in the $50,000 Czaria Handicap with
a devastating display of speed in the 6 furlong distaff feature at Sunland Park
Racetrack and Casino on Saturday.

Under jockey Brian Theriot, Illybilly shot to the front early and carved out blistering
fractions of 21.40 and 43.68 seconds and seemed to be moving comfortably. When
challenged by Goodbye Norma Jean, the longshot runner found another gear and
would not be denied.

The four-year-old Kentucky-bred filly by Commendable held off Goodbye Norma
Jean to win by a three-parts of a length in a sparkling time of 1:08.33, just missing
the track record of 1:08.24 held by Yet Anothernatalie in 2004. She returned a
handsome $41.60 on a $2 win ticket.

Brian Theriot rode the front running winner for trainer Patricia Shirley.

The 4-time winner picked up a $30,000 paycheck for owner Burton Kinerk of
Tucson, Arizona.

Goodbye Norma Jean ran a bold race as the 9-5 second favorite. The Tale of the Cat
filly made a menacing move but could not get by the front runner.

6-5 favorite Run Right Thru ended up a distant third.

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