RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM–JULY 28, 2024–Graded stakes winner Classy Moon returned to win coumn on Sunday with a dominating 3-1/4 length wire-to-wire win in the $50,000 Zia QH Championship Stakes at the Downs at Albuquerque.

Under champion jockey Ricky Ramirez Classy Moon rocketed out of the gate, set the pace then galloped to a 3-1/4 length win after coming four wide off the turn.  The First Moonflash 5-year-old clocking 44.827 seconds, a 96 speed index into a 5 mph crosswind.

Trainer Fred Danley saddled the bay gelding to his eighth career win in 23 starts for owner-breeder Bob McClure. The restricted Grade 2 New Mexico Cup Derby winner used the $30,000 Zia payday to increase his earnings to $321,244.

Sissie and Bob McLure bred Classy Moon in New Mexico from the Now I Know mare Shez Classy Now.

Stablemate and half-brother Heza Classy Now earned $10,000 for second. Danley named jockey Bryan Candanosa to ride the stakes-winning Rock Solid Jess 6-year-old for McClure. The New Mexico homebred earner of $170,902 is also out of Shez Classy Now by Now I Know.

Vanessa Carmona's Senor Cartel finished three-quarters back to earn $5,000 for third. Hermenegildo G. Aldavaz trains the Mr Special Cartel 6-year-old out of Lil Bit Toxic B by Stoli. Irwin Rosendo was riding. Aldavaz is also the breeder.

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The Ruidoso Downs meet at the Downs at Albuquerque continues on Friday, August 2, with a 12-race card. The first post is at 12:30 p.m. (MDT).