Ding Dang Dulce Scores Narrow Victory in $71,300 Northlands Futurity

SHAKOPEE, MN—AUGUST 21, 2025—In a thrilling blanket finish, Ding Dang Dulce surged late under jockey Fernando Fonseca-Soto to capture the $71,300 Northlands Futurity at Canterbury Park on Thursday evening.

Covering the 350 yards in 17.935 seconds, the sorrel gelding earned an 89 speed index while battling a 6 mph headwind over a fast track.

Breaking from post four, Ding Dang Dulce tracked the leaders early before launching a determined rally in the final strides to edge out Rowdi by a head at the wire.

Another head back, Holliewood fought gamely but could not hold off the top pair in the closing yards. The tightly bunched finish kept the crowd on edge, with the top three separated by just half a length at the finish line.

Bred in Oklahoma by Neff Hogue Farm LLC, Ding Dang Dulce is by leading first-crop sire Dulce Sin Tacha and out of Valiant Strawfly, a daughter of Valiant Hero.

The sorrel gelding races for and is trained by Haley N. Hobbs, who purchased him for $10,000 at the 2024 Heritage Place Yearling Sale. Thursday’s victory added $29,946 to his career earnings and solidified his standing as one of the top juvenile quarter horses of the meet.

"I had him picked early before I even got to the sale," Hobbs said. "I had my eye set on him, and he was not easy to break. He was a brat. But he was worth it. He’s been amazing. The key is you’ve got to keep him happy. He does his own thing. He’s the boss and as long as you let him do his thing he’ll do it."

Ding Dang Dulce has won three of six starts and $73,395 in purses.

Rowdi, a sorrel filly by You Drive I Fly out of Shake Em Wild by Royal Shake Em, showed a strong performance for owner-breeders Michele and Craig Snider. Trained by Tyler Stein and ridden by Angel Ramirez, she fought gamely and earned $12,121 for the runner-up effort.

Holliewood, a sorrel filly by Hes Relentless out of Apollitical Mogul by Apollitical Jess, was bred by Tom Maher and races for Tom and Bill Maher. Trained by Jason Olmstead and guided by Mark Jasso, she led early before tiring late to settle for third, collecting $7,130.

Second in the MQHRA Stallion Auction Futurity two races back, he has earned $ $37,326 off three wins in five starts. A $31,000 RNA at the 2024 Heritage Place Yearling Sale, Holliewood remains a promising contender moving forward.

Ding Dang Dulce returned $3.00 to win, $2.40 to place, and $2.20 to show. Rowdi paid $5.80 to place and $4.20 to show, while Holliewood returned $2.80 to show.

Completing the order of finish for the Northlands Futurity was Ur Favorite Tio, Kyndling, Half a House, and Hezz All That. Jenny D, Nme 123, and Relentless Cachet were scratched.

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