HOBBS, NM—NOVEMBER 7, 2021—Apollitical Papa, under jockey Noe Garcia, Jr., cruised a 1-¼ length win over post time favorite Midday News in the $50,000 Grade 2 James Isaac Hobbs Stakes Sunday afternoon at Zia Park.

The 4-year-old son of leading sire Apollitical Jess completed the 350 yard task in :17.407 seconds, equaling a 102 speed index into a 6 mph headwind. It was the second win this year and sixth over victory for the Oklahoma-bred. Trainer Fred Danley trains the homebred for owner-breeders' Bob and Sissie McClure.

Out of the Tres Seis mare Sissy Tres Girl, Apollitical Papa picked up $30,000 to boost his lifetime mark to $154,152. He was second in the Grade 2 Bob Moore Memorial Stakes and third in the Eastex Stakes(G2) at Remington Park last Spring.

Coming off back-to-back Allowance wins at Ruidoso and Lone Star Park, runner-up Midday News earned $10,000 for this second-place effort. After a slow break the son of world champion sire FDD Dynasty improved his position to finish second under jockey Jose Alvarez.

Michael Joiner trains the graded stakes winner for owners Linda Joiner, Pat Smith, Izora Southway, Holly King and Kelly Allen. Bred by Jim Streelman and Bill Dale, from the Mr Jess Perry mare Summer Love Song, Middway News has banked $297,877.

Mitey Political, a graded-placed son of Apollitical Jess, finished a neck back to earn $5,000 for third. A close second in the Downs Casino QH Stakes on October 23rd, Mitey Political races for Charles and Dixie Patterson and is trained by Donna McArthur.

Debra Laney bred Mitey Political in New Mexico from the First Moonflash mare Mitey Moon. Also a finalist in the Grade 1 All American QH Gold Cup at Ruidoso last summer, he has earned $84,000.

Clean Up Man, Pa Cha Ching, Chicks Baby Suds and L Capone completed the field.

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