HOBBS, NM—OCTOBER 31, 2021—Moonflash Cat, under jockey Luis Negron, stalked early and angled in best as he defeated Why Buy The Cow by 1-¾ lengths in the $100,000 New Mexico Classic Cup 870 Championship(RG3) Sunday afternoon during the day 1 of the two-days of New Mexico Cup races.

Fifteen state-bred stakes — eight for Thoroughbreds and seven for Quarter Horses — will be contested on Sunday and Monday, New Mexico Cup Day(s) at Zia Park in Hobbs.

Moonflash Cat rolled over the 870 yard course in :45.500 seconds to equal a 99 speed index. It was the sixth career win in 26 starts for the 5-year-old son of champion sire First Moonflash. The $60,000 winner's purse boosted Moonflash Cat's earnings total to $204,526.

Trainer Sherry Armstrong saddled the winner for owner Mario Ortega. Dosi and Norma Alvarez bred the brown gelding form the thoroughbred mare Domeinitchy by Dome.

Runner-up Why Buy The Cow races for owner Carrol Durbin and is trained by Kenneth Durbin. Tracy Hebert had the riding call aboard the 2019 NM Classic Cup 870 Championship winner by champion sire Heza Motor Scooter.

Mike Weatherly bred the bay gelding from the Celadon mare Southwest Treasure. Why Buy The Cow picked up $20,000 to up his bankroll to $253,514.

Multiple stakes-placed Bigg Jack, a son of leading New Mexico sire Big Daddy Cartel, finished three-quarters back to earn $10,000 for third. Trainer Gregg Sanders saddled the 4-year-old gelding for owner Big Jack Partners.

Brad Williams bred the gray gelding from the Jesse James Jr mare Jessiana. Juan Carlos Rivas rode the $54,945 earner.

El Tarasco 727, Dan The Flashman, Noreason Fordiamonds, Call Me Kash and Mr Big completed the field.

All Zia Park races can be seen at Q-RacingVideo.com.