Vegas Trick Gets First Stakes Victory In $100,000 Hobbs America Derby Invitational

HOBBS, NM–DECEMBER 15, 2024–Multiple Grade 1 finalist Vegas Trick got his first black-type victory today when he defeated Macdara in the $100,000 Hobbs America Derby Invitational Stakes on Sunday afternoon at Zia Park.

Bumped at the break under jockey Sergio Becerra, Jr., Vegas Trick dueled throughout while getting up at the wire in 19.349 seconds, a 97-speed index for 400 yards into a 10 mph headwind.

Trainer Jesus Cuanda saddled the son of Jess Good Candy to his fourth career win in 14 starts for owner Marcelino Cuanda. A finalist in the All American Derby(G1) and Ruidoso Derby(G1) last summer, Vegas Trick was bred in Oklahoma by Bird Ranch & Oil, LP from the FDD Dynasty mare Mavara Vegas.

The $57,300 winner's purse boosted Vegas Trick's bankroll to $172,149.

Macdara just missed under jockey Adrian Ramos to earn $19,100 for second. The multiple Grade 1 finalist by leading sire Apollitical Jess earned her first black-type for owner Marty Neugebauer. Wesley T. Giles saddled the Oklahoma-bred filly out of Amg Six Point Three by Pyc Paint Your Wagon. Bred by William E. Smith, Macdara has earned $113,425.

Starting off a third-place effort in the La Fiesta Derby on October 20, Nori finished a nose back to earn $9,550 for third. Jose Luis Enriquez rode the daughter of leading sire Favorite Cartel for owner-breeder MRB Racing LLC and trainer Manuel Rodriguez. The New Mexico homebred from the Pyc Paint Your Wagon mare Paint On Canvas, has earned $155,201 in 16 career starts.

Bp Midnight, Aj Gold Heart, and Iam Outta Here completed the field. Would Be Bad, Scream Machine, and Shoeless were declared non-starters by the board of stewards.

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