Page 129 - May 2017

New Mexican Spring Futurity-RG2
MONEYS A MAKER
by Michael Compton
Moneys A Maker was the fifth-fastest qualifier for the $362,987 New Mexican Spring Futurity-RG2 for state breds, but he
proved uncatchable in a sharp effort in the main event at Sunland Park on April 8.
Ridden by Mauro Salcedo and aided by a 15 mph tail wind, Moneys A Maker fled from the first post position alertly and immediately assumed command after the break. He opened a 1/2-length advantage in the lane and held off a stern challenge from Cadilac Flash approach- ing the wire to prevail by a neck at the finish of the 300 yards. Moneys A Maker stopped the timer in :15.202 and earned a career high 91 speed index.
The win increased the gray gelding’s bank- roll to $180,542 for owner Enrique Barrera, who acquired Moneys A Maker for $4,000 at the New Mexico-Bred Yearling Sale at Ruidoso a year ago. In the eigth of nine March 17 trials for the New Mexican Spring Futurity-RG2, Moneys A Maker won his heat by a nose just in front of Wood Be Kuhi, who qualified sixth to the finals.
Moneys A Maker is the only horse that Barrera has in training with Cynthia Gonzalez.
“We thought that if he broke well that he would be tough to beat,” said Gonzalez. “Even though the horses didn’t have much
experience—only one or two starts each—it was a competi- tive race, but we felt positive about him going into it. He came out of his trial race in good shape, so we were confi- dent that he would run well.”
The trainer continued, “It was the first stakes win for the owner, so we were all very excited about the win. We’ll look to Ruidoso next for him.”
Bred by Dee Mooring and Jaime Cervantes, Moneys A Maker is out of 2-time winner Money Smart Gal who holds a 103 speed index to her name. She has produced 100% money earners from four starters, including winner Smart Regard. Moneys A Maker is her first stakes winner and top earner. Money Smart Gal is out of multiple stakes winner Lynns Allante, who won two stakes races in her career, including the 2000 AQHA New Mexico Distaff Challenge.
As a 14-1 long shot, runner-up Cadilac Flash (First Moonflash-Cowgirl Cadilac) offered game chase throughout, finishing with a flurry under Sergio Becerra Jr. Bred by Rita Danley, the chestnut filly races in the name of Fred
Danley who also trains the filly. Cadilac Flash was victori- ous in her trial heat by a neck in her unveiling.
Tempting Star Gazer (First Moonflash-Most Tempting) battled with the winner from the start at odds of 36-1 and was right there at the finish, checking in third for jockey Cipriano Vidana. Bred by Mike Abraham, the bay geld- ing is owned by Jose Espinosa
and Jill Giles and is trained by Wesley Giles. Tempting Star Gazer finished second to Cadilac Flash in his trial heat.
Flash Moonfire (First Moonflash-Required Fire), the fastest qualifier and odds-on wager- ing favorite based on the strength of his 2 1/2-length trial win, closed some ground late under Manuel Guiterrez but finished fourth. Two Wines (Jesse James Jr-Champagne Lane), Jans Cartel (Big Daddy Cartel-Famous Pretty Jan), Miles of Flash (First Moonflash- Laila), Bigg Daddy (Big Daddy Cartel-Alice K White), Flashin Angel (First Moonflash- Earth Angel Baby) and Wood Be Kuhi (Woodbridge-Makai Kuhi) completed the order of finish.
Sunland Park $362,987 • 300 yards :15.202 • si 91
Royal Quick Dash
Sixes Royal
Tempered Glass
MONEYS A MAKER, ‘15-g.
First Smart Money
Money Smart Gal
Lynns Allante
Moneys A Maker wins the $362,987 New Mexican Spring Futurity-RG2 by a neck under Mauro Salcedo.
SPEEDHORSE, May 2017 127
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Coady Photography