Frankie James, under jockey Jaime Leos, winning the $60,000 Jimmy Drake Stakes (RG3) at SunRay Park on Friday evening.

© Coady Photography

FARMINGTON, NM – MAY 24, 2019 - In a gate-to wire victory, Frankie James picked up his first career stakes win in the $60,000 Jimmy Drake Stakes(RG3) at SunRay Park on Friday evening.

Jaime Leos guided the 4-year-old gelding to a half-length victory over post-time favorite Major Bites. Final time for the 400-yard race was 19.483, resulting in a 98 speed index.

Frankie James ($9.00) is trained by Juan Carlos Gonzalez for owner Bella Valenzuela. He was bred in New Mexico by Randy and Linda Schalla, out of Fabulous Form, by Rare Form.

The winning connections of Frankie James accept the Jimmy Drake Stakes trophy Friday afternoon at SunRay Park. © Coady Photography

The son of Jesse James Jr qualified for the $190,937 Zia Derby (RG2) finished a head behind Bigg Daddy to place second. As a 2-year-old, he qualified for the $392,554 Mountain Top Futurity (RG3) and finished fifth.

Frankie James is now three for eight lifetime with $104,393 in career earnings.

Major Bites entered the race as the 5-2 morning-line favorite and was the even-money favorite at post time. The 6-year-old son of Jesse James Jr is a multiple graded stakes winner with $783,612 earned in his 30 lifetime starts.

Major Bites won the Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap (RG3) in his start prior to the Jimmy Drake. He has also won the Zia Park Championship (G1) and is a two-time winner of the NameHimAStreaker New Mexico Classic Championship (RG1), He was also second in the 2017 edition of the Jimmy Drake Stakes.

Jimmy Guerra trains Major Bites for owner Isreal Bordier; Flavio Lozano had the call on Friday. Carlos Pez bred the gelding in New Mexico out of Dyna Mo Rime, by Major Rime.

Completing the Jesse James Jr trifecta was Rocky El Roble and Martin Felix for trainer Robert Sanderson and Astorga Racing, LLC. He is multiple stakes placed and qualified for the Shue Fly Stakes and the West Texas Derby in 2016.

Rocky El Roble is a 6-year-old horse, also by Jesse James Jr. He was bred in New Mexico by Hubaldo Solis, out of the Chimes Band mare Lady Chimes.

Completing the field were Mamacita Cartel, Go Daddy Gone, Magnifico Dragon, Jenna Cartel and Wild Daddy Jack.