RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—SEPTEMBER 5, 2010—Champion Noconi showed his considerable class by holding off Higheasterjet Handicap winner Shy Ann Jess to win the Grade 3, $40,000 All American Gold Cup on Sunday at Ruidoso Downs.

The All American Gold Cup was the supporting feature on the All American Derby program.

Noconi, the 2-1 second choice with Jacky Martin aboard, hooked up with the G.R. Carter Jr.-ridden Shy Ann Jess shortly after the start of the 440-yard race. They raced side-by-side in one of the most compelling duels of the summer season.

"It (the finish) wasn't as close as it seemed," said Martin. "I got by him (Shy Ann Jess) probably a hundred yards from the line. Once I got by him, I knew that horse couldn't come back and beat him."

The 2008 champion 3-year-old gelding, Noconi won by a head to raise his career earnings to $954,163. Double Out was one-half length behind the leaders for third in the 9-horse field.

Noconi, a homebred Mr Jess Perry owned by R.D. Hubbard and Johnny T.L. Jones, was making his first start since February at Sunland Park.

"He ran a beautiful race'" said winning trainer Paul Jones. "He broke good, and Jacky did a beautiful job. First time off the layoff, it was impressive.

"This was more like a prep. We're pointing to the Zia Park Championship and The Championship at Sunland Park."

Last year, Noconi won the Higheasterjet Handicap and Mr Jet Moore Handicap at Ruidoso Downs. He then was second in the Grade 1 Refrigerator Handicap at Lone Star Park near Dallas. He returned to New Mexico to win the Grade 2 Lovington Stakes at Zia Park and finish a close second in the Grade 1 Zia Park Championship as the 3-5 favorite.

Two years ago, Noconi earned his championship on the strength of wins in the Grade 1 All American Derby and the Hobbs America Derby.

Paul Wood and Butch Southway's Shy Ann Jess was the 7-5 favorite in the All American Gold Cup after winning three of his previous four starts. He impressed when he won the Higheasterjet Handicap by one length with a fast :17.097 time for the 350 yards on July 3. The gelding is also sired by Mr Jess Perry.

Completing the field were Double Out, Time For A Cigar, Vital Winner, Sassys Tuffy, Louisianafeature One, Heza Gambling Man and Shaboomator.