HOBBS, NM—OCTOBER 15, 2017—Coming off an eighth-place effort in the restricted Grade 2 Zia Handicap at Ruidoso last summer, multiple stakes winner Magnifico Dragon was never better as he posted a 1-¾ length win in the first of three trials Sunday for the restricted Grade 3 New Mexico Classic Derby at Zia Park.

Ridden by jockey Mauro Salcedo, Magnifico Dragon raced over the 440 yards in :21.547 seconds, a 94 speed index with a 4 mph tailwind, to post the top qualifying time.

Cynthia Gonzalez conditions the son of leading second crop sire Zulu Dragon for owner Daniel Balderrama. Heriberto Moreno bred the sorrel gelding from the Magnificence mare Cassies Mag. He has compiled a (13) 7-3-1 record and banked more than $300,000.

Ricky Ramirez rode Bobby Simmons' Flash Em The Jewels to a three-quarter length win in the final trial to get the second fastest time of :21.613 seconds, a 96-speed index. The daughter of leading sire First Moonflash exploded late for owner Trey Wood.

Coronas Black Diamond Partnership bred the bay from the This Snow Is Royal mare Shez Snow Jewel. The lightly raced filly was making just her second start this year after breaking her maiden at Ruidoso on August 6.

For the complete list of New Mexico Classic Derby(RG3) qualifiers, times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.

The $200,000-est. final will be held Sunday, October 29th.