SUNLAND PARK, NM—FEBRUARY 20, 2011—Stel Gone Corona won his fourth straight race en route to a narrow victory in the $120,000 NMHBA Quarter Horse Stakes at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.

The big strapping gelding held sway by a head over Docs Famous Dash in a blanket finish.

Under a cool ride from All American Futurity winning rider Esgar Ramirez, Stel Gone Corona broke alertly from the outside post position and took the lead mid-way through the stretch run of the 400 yard dash for New Mexico-breds.

The muscular three-year-old son of Stel Corona nursed his lead and won under a driving finish. Stel Gone Corona completed his first career stakes win with a 19.215 second timing, earning a 90 speed index. His pocketed a $72,000 paycheck for owner Grisel Ochoa.

The 4-time winner is trained by Jose R. Gonzalez, Sr. Stel Gone Corona was well backed at the windows, racing as the 3-1 third choice. He paid $8.60 on a $2 win ticket.

Docs Famous Dash finished a very close second after a gallant effort. The Trey Wood trainee was forwardly placed and cut into the leader’s margin in the final 100 yards. The Dash Ta Fame gelding and runner-up from last year’s Sunland Winter Quarter Horse Futurity simply ran out of real estate and just missed under jockey Ricky Ramirez. He earned $25,200 for the Cowboy Dentist FM LLC.

Mas Frijoles, runner-up in the Shue Fly, was bumped hard at the start and lost valuable ground. Also a son of Dash Ta Fame, he closed valiantly to gain third place, beaten less than one length. He was the 3-2 favorite.

Live racing resumes on Tuesday with a new post time. First race post time for the remainder of the season is 12:45 p.m. There will be 12 races per program.