HOBBS, NM—NOVEMBER 5, 2017—Multiple graded winner Once Over held off a late charge from Tf Im That Guy to win the Grade 2 $50,000 Lovington Stakes by a neck Sunday afternoon at Zia Park. Colbalt Creek finished two-lengths back in third.

It was the second graded stakes win of the meet for Once Over who scored in the Grade 2 James Isaac Hobbs Stakes on September 17. He has now won three consecutive races.

Ridden by jockey Raul Herrera, Once Over completed the 400 yards in :19.511 seconds, a 96-speed index into an 11-mph headwind. The son of champion sire Walk Thru Fire tossed his head at the start but dueled to the finish to pocket the winners' purse of $30,000.

Trainer Jose Marquez conditions the 8-year-old for Bujanda Racing Stables. Bred in California by Edward C. Allred, from the Check Him Out mare Look Her Over, Once Over has compiled a (31) 10-7-2 record and banked $290,785.

Also a graded winner, Tf Im That Guy earned $11,000 for second. Martin Orona, Jr. saddled the First Down Dash 4-year-old for owner Victor Diaz. Vessels Stallion Farm LLC and Tate Farms bred the sorrel horse from the Special Leader mare Tf Ms Special Perry. Third in the Grade 1 All American Futurity at 2 and a finalist in the Grade 1 Rianbow Derby at 3, he has earned $501,814.

Coming off a Grade 1 win in the Refrigerator Handicap October 7th at Lone Star Park, Cobalt Creek was not a match today for the top two finishers. John Stinebaugh trains the Walk Thru Fire 5-year-old for owner VWP Jr., Inc. Ricky Ramirez rode the Missouri-bred out of Checknbac by Check Him Out. Jim Streelman and Bill Dale is the breeder.

Rarin, Don Quixote, Jess Burnin, De la Eagle, Prospects Smashing, Karls Motor Boat and Wager On A Moon completed the field.