Rock Ya Later Rallies To Win $50,000 Q-Racing Video New Mexico Distance Challenge

Rock Ya Later rallied through the stretch and drew away late Saturday to capture the $50,000 Q-Racing Video New Mexico Distance Challenge (G2) at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Ridden by Daniel Antonio Torres for trainer Tammy Kay Johnson, Rock Ya Later completed the 870 yards over a muddy, sealed racetrack in :48.446, earning a 54 speed index. A 6-mph headwind was reported for the race.

Rock Ya Later broke sharply from the inside before dropping back around the turn. The 6-year-old gelding responded through the stretch, overtaking the leaders and drawing clear to win by 1 1/2 lengths.

The victory was worth $25,000 for owner Rockin J Running Horses and increased Rock Ya Later's career record to 44 starts, eight wins, six seconds and 10 thirds with earnings of $323,840.

Bred in Texas by Melissa L. Slayton, Rock Ya Later is a son of Rock Solid Jess from the Separatist mare Dosvedanya. His stakes résumé includes wins in the Q-Racing Video New Mexico Distance Challenge (G2) and Sandia Stakes, along with placings in the Remington Park Distance Challenge (G2), King Rick Rack Stakes (G2), San Marcos Stakes, and Governors Cup Marathon Stakes (G2).

The victory also earned Rock Ya Later a berth in the $125,000-est. Q-Racing Video Distance Challenge Championship (G1), which will be contested at The Downs at Albuquerque during AQHA Challenge Championship Night on October 15.

Iam Outta Here set the early pace before giving way late, finishing second, 2 1/2 lengths ahead of Handin Out Candy. The 5-year-old gelding earned $10,750, increasing his career totals to 17 starts, four wins, three seconds, and one third with earnings of $107,791.

Christian Cardenas rode Iam Outta Here for trainer Jason L. Driver and owner Sergio Ibarra. Bred by J & Sm Inc., the gelding is by Coronas Leaving You from the Woodbridge mare Carson City Girl. His record includes a runner-up finish in the Q-Racing Video New Mexico Distance Challenge (G2) and a finalist appearance in the Hobs America Invitational Derby and Turf Paradise Championship Challenge.

Handin Out Candy finished another 4 3/4 lengths ahead of fourth-place finisher Freightrainsnmonstrs to earn $5,500 for owner Emilio Perez. The 7-year-old gelding has compiled a career record of 42 starts, 12 wins, 10 seconds and five thirds with earnings of $373,350.

Oscar Andrade Jr. rode Handin Out Candy for trainer Paul Sedillo. Bred by Paris Wixon, he is by Jess Good Candy from the Dash Ta Fame mare Ole Auntie Em.

Handin Out Candy was a $30,000 RNA at the 2025 Heritage Place Winter Mixed Sale. His stakes victories include the AQHA Distance Challenge Championship (G1), The Downs at Albuquerque Distance Challenge (G2), Pauls Valley Stakes (G2), Remington Park Distance Challenge (G2), and King Rick Rack Stakes (G2).

Completing the field were Freightrainsnmonstrs, Y O Zoomin Ollie and Zoominthrucarsoncity, respectively.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.