The second race on Tuesday’s closing-day card at Zia Park is the Hobbs Fall Classic Stakes, a $100,000 restricted stakes for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds at 6½ furlongs on dirt. This Thoroughbred juvenile feature highlights the meet’s final day, drawing a field of seven with several showing promising form over the Zia Park main track during the fall. Speed and tactical position will be key on a surface that has played fairly but often rewards horses with early foot or strong stalking ability.
Venue
Location: Zia Park Racetrack & Casino, Hobbs, New Mexico (modern facility with a 1-mile oval dirt track and casino; known for competitive New Mexico-bred racing and a generally fair but speed-conducive surface in winter meets)
Post Time: Approximately 11:12 a.m. MT (1:12 p.m. ET / 10:12 a.m. PT) – Race 2
Broadcast/Streaming: Live on Equibase video feed, RTN, and Zia Park streaming; replays available on BloodHorse and NM Horse Breeders Association channels
Purse: $100,000 (restricted to NM-breds)
Expected Weather Conditions
Hobbs forecast for Tuesday shows partly cloudy skies with highs near 63°F during the day, cooling to the upper 30s by evening. Light winds from the southwest at 8-12 mph (gusts to 20 mph possible). No precipitation expected—track should remain fast. Mild conditions favor normal times (around 1:17-1:18 for 6½ furlongs); wind may slightly aid runners pressing from mid-pack.
Track Conditions & Bias Notes
Zia Park’s dirt surface has been consistent this meet, rated fast daily with no significant bias reported in December. Inside posts (1-3) have performed well at similar distances (55% win rate for 6-7 furlong races), but closers have succeeded when pace is honest. Expect fair play overall.
Field Analysis (Post Position Order)
Morning line odds from Zia Park. Recent form based on last three starts (all Thoroughbred unless noted).
Bully Boy (PP 1, 2yo colt, Sporting Chance – Shamrock Girl by King Bull) – ML 6-5 (Favorite)
Jockey: Floyd Wethey Jr. – Trainer: Todd W. Fincher
Recent Finishes: 1st (6f allowance, Zia Park, Oct 2025), 1st (5½f maiden special weight, Zia Park, Sep 2025), 2nd (debut, Ruidoso)
The clear standout with two impressive wins over this track, including a dominant front-running score last out. Fincher (30% with 2yos at meet) and Wethey Jr. (leading rider) are a lethal combo. Rail draw perfect for his stalking style. The one to beat.
Buy Local (PP 2, 2yo gelding, Sporting Chance) – ML 8-1
Jockey: Elvin Gonzalez – Trainer: TBD (from entries, likely local barn)
Recent Finishes: 2nd (6f allowance, Zia Park), 3rd (5½f maiden, Zia Park), 4th (debut)
Improving gelding with good early speed. Gonzalez rides aggressively. Value if favorite drifts.
Cowboy Campfire (PP 3, 2yo gelding) – ML 10-1
Jockey: Francisco Amparan – Trainer: Local connections
Recent Finishes: 3rd (trial or allowance, Zia Park), consistent placings
Steady performer who hits the board often. Amparan knows the track well. Exotic filler.
Country Club Sport (PP 4, 2yo colt) – ML 12-1
Jockey: TBD – Trainer: Strong NM barn
Recent Finishes: Recent efforts show speed but fading late
Needs pace to close into; mid-pack draw helps.
Cash Waterfall (PP 5, 2yo) – ML 15-1
Jockey: TBD – Trainer: Competitive
Recent Finishes: Mixed results, but flashed ability in trials
Longshot with upside if improves stretching out.
Fort Sumner (PP 6, 2yo) – ML 5-1
Jockey: TBD – Trainer: Solid connections
Recent Finishes: Strong recent allowance or trial win
Dangerous stalker with tactical speed. Good post for trip.
Risk Capital (PP 7, 2yo) – ML 7-2
Jockey: TBD – Trainer: Top NM trainer
Recent Finishes: 1st or close in recent stakes trial/prep
Wide draw concern, but class and closing kick make him a threat. Second choice on line.
