Freedom Flash, ridden by Alfredo Sigala, wins the $125,000 New Mexico Classic 870 (G3) by 1 1/2-lengths at Zia Park on Sunday.

© Coady Photography

HOBBS, NM–OCTOBER 30, 2022–New Mexico Cup weekend concludes with Sundays Stakes Bonanza at Zia Park. The $125,000 New Mexico Classic 870 Championship (G3) is one of four quarter horse races on the card and kicked off the Bonanza with Freedom Flash taking home the trophy.  

Freedom Flash, piloted by Alfredo Sigala, drew the eight hole and bursted from the gates in fourth on the 870-yard raceway. The duo slowly gained momentum against a 5 mph head wind and dueled their way to the front of the pack, claiming the lead by second stretch. The son of multiple champion sire First Moonflash crossed the wire 1 1/2-lengths ahead of the pack clocking a 106 speed index in :44.818 seconds.

The winning connections of Freedom Flash accept $125,000 New Mexico Classic 870 Championship (G3) trophy on Sunday at Zia Park.
© Coady Photography

With 2-1 odds at the post, Freedom Flash's victory paid $8.00 to win. Roll Big River, guided by Noe Garcia, Jr, gave way late for second 3 3/4-lengths over Rosies Bolt who was ridden by Jose Vazquez.

Freedom Flash has six career wins, including the New Mexico Classic Derby (G2) from her sophomore campaign. His most recent runs in 2022 stakes competition were third place finishes in the Bill Reed Memorial and the Zia 870 Championship Stakes, both at Ruidoso Downs. The $73,000 winner's share of the NM Classic 870 Championship (G3) ups his earnings to $342,301.

Todd Fincher saddled Freedom Flash for owners/breeders Pierre and Leslie Amestoy and Roger Beasley. The six-year-old gelding is out of Me Camila (TB) by Southern Halo (TB).

Trained by Jackie Riddle, runner-up Roll Big River has four career wins with $119,451 in the bank and the NM 870 Classic Championship (G3) makes his fourth appearance as a finalist in stakes competition.

Breeders Randy and Linda Schalla sold Roll Big River to his current owner Twin Spires Farm for $6,200 in the 2019 Ruidoso New Mexico Bred Yearling Sale. The four-year-old son of Rock Solid Jess is out of Fabulous Brook by Brookstone Bay.

Third place finisher Rosies Bolt has lit the board eight out of 12 starts with three career wins and $88,977 in earnings. Saddled by trainer/breeder Robert James Gherardi, this his the first time the son of Genuine Strawfly has competed in stakes competition. Owned by Ken Eklund the four-year-old gelding is out of the Sixes Royal mare Independent Princess.

The remaining order of finish is Why Buy The Cow, Cartels Joker, Moonflash Cat, Mr Big and Noreason Fordiamonds. Bigg Jack and Moon Gunner were scratched.