Fastest qualifer Classy Moon returned to win the $211,400 New Mexico Classic Derby (RG2) at Zia Park on Sunday

© Coady Photography

HOBBS, NM–OCTOBER 30, 2022–Noe Garcia, Jr. wins his second stakes race of the day aboard Classy Moon in the $211,400 New Mexico Classic Derby (RG2) at Zia Park on Sunday afternoon.

Classy Moon drew the one hole and busted from the gates in second. With the guidance from Garcia, the three-year-old gelding took the lead of first call and kept it to the wire for a neck victory over Hunky McGoo and Federico Martinez.

Classy Moon was a good bet to win with 11-10 odds at the post paying $6.00 on a $2.00 wager. The New Mexico-bred gelding clocked a 94 speed index in :19.614 seconds on the 400-yard raceway. Hunky McGoo rallied late, crossing the wire in a photo finish by a nose over Passeanna and Enriquez Jacob.

The winning connections of Classy Moon accept $211,400 New Mexico Classic Derby (G2) trophy on Sunday at Zia Park.
© Coady Photography

Trained by Fred Danley, Classy Moon has lit the board 11 of 16 starts with $205,524 in earnings. The son of champion sire First Moonflash has placed in three stakes races, including the Zia Derby (G2) and Mountain Top Derby this year, but the NM Classic Derby (G2) is his first stakes victory.

Bred and owned by Sissie and Bob McClure, Classy Moon is out of stakes winner Shez Classy Now by Now I Know.

Runner-up Hunky McGoo has three career wins with $72,872 in the bank. Trainer Jackie Riddle conditions the son of New Mexico's leading sire Big Daddy Cartel for owners/breeder William and Mary Robertson. The three-year-old gelding is out of Physical Touch by Big Daddy Cartel.

Trained by Eric Valenzuela, third place finisher Passeanna, also by Big Daddy Cartel, has two career wins with $61,808 in earnings. 

Breeder MJ Farms sold Passeanna to her owners Denis and Julie Schoenhofer for $52,000 in the 2020 Ruidoso New Mexico Bred Yearling Sale. The three-year-old filly is out of the Woodbridge mare Woodys Allstar.

The remaining order of finish is Wine Don't Lie, Z Ya, Jc New Dawn, Chicksbabycartel, Daddys Mony and Cowboy Zulu.