Woody Rocks, under jockey Luis Martinez, won the $90,000 NMHBA Quarter Horse Stakes on Saturday at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casin on Saturday.

© Coady Media

SUNLAND PARK, NM—APRIL 5, 2025—Let go at odds of 6-1, Wood Rocks sprinted clear then lasted to win the $90,000 NMHBA Quarter Horse Stakes on Saturday at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

Under jockey Luis Martinez, Woody Rocks took a quick lead and then held off Cue Daddy to win by a neck. The son of multiple stakes sire Woodbridge completed the 400-yard task in 19.649 seconds, equaling an 86-speed index into a 13 mph crosswind.

Tony Sedillo saddled the graded stakes winner to his sixth career win in nine starts for owner CHR Racing. MJ Farms bred the 3-year-old gelding from the Fantastic Corona Jr mare Jr Rock Star. The $54,000 winners' purse boosted Woody Rocks' earnings to $272,029.

Woody Rocks won the restricted Grade 1 Zia Futurity and the Mountain Top Juvenile Stakes last year.

The winning connections of Woody Rocks accepting the NMHBA Quarter Horse Stakes trophy at Sunland Park Saturday. © Coady Photography

Cue Daddy closed fast under jockey Alonso Rivera to just miss, collecting $18,000 for second. Trainer James J. Gonzales, III, saddled the Big Daddy Cartel gelding for owners Nove Racing LC and Arrendondo Racing LLC. Also, an MJ Farms bred from the First Down Dash mare Curlie Cue, Cue Daddy earned  $70,414 in nine starts.

With a late gain under jockey Jesse Levario, Myy Flashn Denali got the nod for third. Trainer Jorge Morales-Flores saddled the black son of multiple stakes sire A Passion For Flashn for owner Rogelio Carrasco, Jr. Bred by RC Racing LLC, from the Pyc Paint Your Wagon mare Denali Pyc, Myy Flashn Denali earned $9,000 for the effort.

Woody Rocks returned $13 to win, $5.60 to place, and $3.80 to show. Cue Daddy paid $7.40 to place and $5 to show, while Myy Flashn Denali returned $10.60 to show.

Bigg Al, Three Finger Jack, Bv Bridgette Cartel, Kj Bad Moon Rising, Rc A Passions Dream, and Hs Danger Weapon completed the field.   Post-time favorite and multiple stakes winner Kj Bad Moon Rising bobbled the start to lose all chance.

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