HOBBS, NM—SEPTEMBER 13, 2014—Marking his first starter of the 2014 season at 9-to-1 odds, Missourian upset the field Saturday afternoon with a head win in the 10th running of the $55,000 James Isaac Hobbs Stakes(G2) at Zia Park. Big Sluggo finished second in a blanket finish with Testing The Ice getting the nod for third.

Under jockey Jose Montoya, Missourian used a lightly quick start to complete the 350 yards in :17.598 seconds. Trainer Martin Orona, Jr. conditions the multiple stakes winner who making his first start for new owner Alonso Juarez.

Saturday's Grade 2 victory was the first stakes win for the Sweet First Down 6-year-old since winning the Iowa Double Gold Futurity at Prairie Meadows in 2010. In his previous start more than a year ago at Remington Park he was second in an optional claiming race.

“We thought he was preparing well for this race,” said Orona Jr., who began training Missourian in May. “There was a lot of help from our jockey Jose Montoya galloping him and getting him ready.”

Bred by Missouri by Barley & Sharp Farm from the Chicks Beduino mare Ally Bye Bye, Missourian has won eight of 21 starts. The $33,000 James Isaac Hobbs purse boosted his career total to $173,093.

The win today should make him a probable favorite in next month's Grade 2 $55,000 Lovington Stakes(G2) and a possible start in the$150,000-Guaranteed Grade 1 Zia Park QH Championship on November 26.

Stepping up off an optional claiming win at Ruidoso Downs August 30, Big Sluggo earned his graded black-type status under jockey Adrian Ramos. Lillian Silva trains the First Timber 4-year-old for owner Salvador Aranda. Suzie Marrs bred Big Sluggo in Oklahoma from the First Smart Money mare Miss Smart Pockets. He picks up $12,100 for Saturday's effort.

Mario Sanchez saddled graded stakes winner Test The Ice to his third place finish. Roberto Valero had the riding assignment aboard the Stoli 6-year-old out of Streakin La Tac, by Streakin La Jolla. It was the first start for the gelding since dead-heating for a win (through a disqualification) in the Bank of America Sunland Challenge Championship on April 6.

Bred in Arkansas by Corner K Quarter Horses, LLC, the $301,000 earner could make his next start in the $350,000-Guaranteed Bank of America Challenge Championship at Prairie Meadows October 18.

Completing the field were Llano Cartel, Revvy, Scoopies Leaving You, Paint Candy Flying, Sudden Thoughts, Big Time Illusion and Bps Jumpin Frisco.