FARMINGTON, NM—MAY 11, 2021—In just his second start this year graded stakes winner Colby James went wire-to-wire to defeat Wahene Version by half-a-length in the $56,100 Jimmy Drake Stakes Sunday afternoon at SunRay Park.

Ridden by jockey Mario Delgado, the son of leading New Mexico sire Jesse James Jr completed the 400 yards in :19.267 seconds into a 14 mph headwind to equal a 112 speed index.

Trainer James J. Gonzales, II the New Mexico-bred 4-year-old for owner Rex Wells. Bred by MJ Farms, from the Blushing Bug mare Sandy June Bug, Colby James has compiled a (13) 66-3-2 record and the $33,650 Jimmy Drake winners' purse boosted his lifetime earnings mark to $400,495.

After finishing third in the New Mexico Classic Derby (RG2) in his final start at 3, Colby James was third in an optional claiming race at Remington Park on April 8th. At 2 he won the Moutain Top New Mexico QH Futurity(RG2) at Ruidoso Downs.

Runner-up Wahene Version races for owner Erick Carillo and is trained by Beatriz Sanchez-Carrillo. Jockey Hector Aldrete rode the graded stakes winning daughter of multiple stakes sire Winners Version from the Brookstone Bay mare Wahene Kai.

Also bred by MJ Farms, Burn One Down For Me finished a neck back to earn $5,610 for third. Juan D. Torres trains the Woodbridge 4-year-old for owner Carlos F. Paez. Sergio Becerra, Jr. had the riding call aboard the bay gelding out of Wish You Had One To, by Stel Corona. He has earned nearly $60,000.

Marcus Medallion, Girl With A Plan, Wisho and Cartel Duck completed the field.