SUNLAND PARK, NM—APRIL 24, 2016—Fastest qualifier Running Dragon returned to Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday to defeat Big Spurs by a half-a-length in the RG2 $297,925 New Mexican Spring Futurity. Dramatic Moon finished a length back in the show position.

Ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, Running Dragon went all out from the gate and finished well while completing the 300 yards in :15.104 seconds, a 90 speed index with 15 mph tailwind.

Juan Gonzalez saddled the homebred to his many wins from two starts for owner By By JJ Limited Partnership. The daughter of first crop sire Zulu Dragon is out of Banking Lane by Devon Lane (TB). The $140,025 New Mexican winner's purse boosted Running Dragon's earnings mark to $145,380.

The gray filly made her season debut in the April 8th trials when she posted a half-length win and top qualifying time of :15.466 seconds from 59 New Mexico-Bred 2-year-olds who went to the post.

Big Spurs, a colt by first crop sire Big Daddy Cartel, drifted in under jockey Jamie Leos but put in a solid effort to finish second. Miguel Castillo conditions the gray colt out of Lady Chimes, by Chimes Band (TB) for owner Astorga Racing, LLC. Bred by Hubaldo Solis, Big Spurs earned $53,626.

Still a maiden from two starts, Dramatic Moon races for owner Jose Espinosa, James Laird and Ezra Lee. Jason Giles trains the First Moonflash gelding out of Streakin La Jolla. Ridden by Cipriano Vidana, Dramatic Moon picked u $32,771 for his effort. Dramatic Moon is a $22,000 Ruidoso New Mexico Bred Sale graduate.

Completing the field were Daddy Queen Cartel, Peyote Run, Cowgirlsalady, Daddy Allstar, Disco Dragon and Buildem Fast.