Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino
Saturday, February 15, 2020
by Eric Alwan
First Neon Moon wins $100,000 NMHBA Quarter Horse Stakes
First Neon Moon won a narrow decision in the $100,000 NMHBA Quarter Horse Stakes at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Saturday.
Under jockey Raul Herrera, Frist Neon Moon unleashed a strong middle move in the 400 yard dash for New Mexico-breds to win by a nose at nearly 14-1 odds. The victory was the first stakes triupmph for the son of First Moonflash. Martin Orona, Jr. trains for owner Victor Lozano of Denver City, Texas. First Neon Moon held off a fast closing Jess Featured Girl to win the $60,000 winner’s share. The winner caught the distance in a fast 19.384 seconds, good for a 92 speed index. The grey three-year-old colt has earned $107,560 from 3 career wins.
First Neon Moon returned $29.60 on a $2 win ticket.
Jess Featured Girl just missed in a gallant second at 5-1 odds under jockey Paul Garcia. She finished a neck in front of Six Pack Fame. Storminado ended up fourth beaten less than a length.
2020 Shue Fly winner Champagne Room never fired and was a well beaten sixth as the 5-2 favorite. Jess Tequila Talkin stumbled badly at the start and lost all chance in 9th place.
Live racing resumes on Sunday at 1 p.m. The $100,000 Enchantress Stakes (9th race) at one mile is the feature race. La Senora Stakes winner Two Stepper and Count Them Again are the two favorites.
Photo Credit: Coady Photography
