SUNLAND PARK, NM—MARCH 10, 2017—The 11-year-old sensation Klassic Strawfly nailed Jm Apollo in the final strides to take first place honors in the 30th running of the Grade 3 $115,113 West Texas Maturity at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Friday.

The durable gelding poured on the steam in deep stretch with jockey Alejandro Medellin to win the 400-yard feature by a head. Racing as the 8-5 favorite, the top qualifier once again proved his mettle under stakes conditions.

Arguably the oldest horse to ever win the West Texas Maturity, Klassic Strawfly won for the 18th time in his long lasting and highly successful career of 97 starts. The Genuine Strawfly gelding trained by Alfredo Gomez clocked the distance in 19.56 seconds.

The victory was worth $54,103 for winning owner Yaneth Cabrera. Klassic Strawfly pushed his hefty bankroll past the $628,000 mark. Ron Stephens bred the sorrel gelding in New Mexico from the A Classic Dash mare A Classic Son.

In 2016, the multiple stakes champion won the James Drake Stakes at SunRay Park, the First Moonflash at Albuquerque and the New Mexico Classic Cup Championship at Zia Park.

Near 10-1 longshot Jm Apollo ran boldly along the inside under jockey Esgar Ramirez and nearly pulled off the upset. The Louisiana-bred son of Louisiana Senator fought hard and just missed in a career best performance.

Shae Cox saddled the brown gelding for owner J and M Racing and Farm. Bred by J.E. Jumonville Jr., from the Apollo (TB) mare In His Dreams, JM Apollo picked up $20,720 for the effort to boost his earnings total to $46,942.

Turf Paradise stakes winner May Be Fantastic Sa ran a good third, beaten a half-length, for owner Orlando Guerrero. Ubaldo Guerrero trains the son of Fantastic Corona Jr from the Tres Seis mare Darlin Treis. Emilio Tapia was aboard the Gianni Franco Samaja Oklahoma-bred to earn $12,662.

Walken To The Moon, Rattle N Battle, Flare For Ivory, Sf Hot Pass, Fine Oak Corona and One Over completed the field. Gbh Gunsmoke was scratched.

Live racing resumes on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

The $800,000 Sunland Derby (Gr. III) happens on Sunday, March 26. Sunland Park’s biggest race days presents a stellar stakes filled card worth over $1.5 million.