Fdd Cloud, under jockey Alfredo Sigala, winning the $75,000 La Plata Stakes at SunRay Park Friday afternoon.

© Coady Photography

FARMINGTON, NM–APRIL 19, 2024–A quick start under jockey Alfredo Sigala propelled graded stakes winner Fdd Cloud to a neck victory over Easy Perry Cartel (10-1) in the $75,000 La Plata Stakes Friday afternoon at SunRay Park.

Going off as the post-time favorite, Fdd Cloud raced to his third consecutive win, two-for-two this season, while completing the 400 yards in :19.184 seconds, a 104 speed index into a 10 mph crosswind.

Saddled by trainer Omar Vargas, the 4-year-old son of FDD Going Grand, won the Grade 2 Lovington Stakes at Zia Park two races back. Racing for owner Aurelio Juarez, Fdd Cloud was second in the La Fiesta Debry and a finalist in the Heritage Place Derby(G2) last year.

Mercy Hinklins Horse Farm LLC bred the gelding in Texas from the Jess Elie mare A Noble Jess Elie. Fdd Cloud has won five of 15 career starts and used the La Plata winner's purse valued at $45,000 to increase his earnings total to $248,633.

Runner-up Easy Perry Cartel picked up $15,000 for his second-place effort as well as getting his first black type in the US.  Trainer Ramon Mendoza saddled the 6-year-old horse by Jesstified for owner Cream Of The Crop, Inc. Luis Flores-Garcia had the riding call.

The winning connections of Fdd Cloud accept the La Plata Stakes trophy Friday at SunRay Park. © Coady Photography

The multiple-stakes winner in Mexico was bred there by Everardo Muzquiz Elguezabal. Out of the Corona Cartel mare Tess Decked Out, Easy Perry Cartel has banked $203,126.

Defending La Plata Stakes winner Alamo Lake rallied with a late kick under jockey Gerardo Vera to earn $7,500 for third. Trainer Armando Alamos conditions the son of leading sire Favorite Cartel for owners LG Racing, LLC and Rancho AA, Inc.

Bred in California by Steve D. Burns, DVM, Alamo Lake is out of No Arizona by Foose. The 5-year-old has banked $174,061 in 23 career starts.

Our Secret Habit, Market Analysis, Sundanz, Maka Roon, Milagro Lady Whiskey Creek, and Dos Special Eye completed the field.