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An Ocean Rocket Wins Adequan NM Derby
Ronnie Armstrong’s fastest-qualifier An Ocean Rocket prevailed in the final stride to take a nose decision over favored Silk Mountain in the Grade 3, $52,560 Adequan New Mexico Derby Challenge at Ruidoso Downs on Friday afternoon.
Nikoman made a late rally to finish third, a neck behind Silk Mountain.
The Joe Martinez-ridden An Ocean Rocket raced the 400 yards in :19.658 over a fast track that had been dampened by periodic rain.
Hall of Fame trainer Sleepy Gilbreath has An Ocean Rocket in peak form. After finishing third in a $20,000 conditioned claiming race two starts ago at Remington Park, the Ocean Runaway gelding now has two narrow wins at Ruidoso Downs against stronger company. In his previous start he won his Adequan New Mexico Derby Challenge trial by a nose and his time of :19.843 topped the three trials.
Runner-up Silk Mountain gained the favorite’s role after winning four of his previous six starts, including the $15,000 Joe Turner Stakes at Lone Star Park. He won his Adequan New Mexico Derby Challenge trial by a neck with the fourth-fastest time.
Third-place finisher Nikoman showed he has a future in the stakes ranks. He came into the Adequan New Mexico Derby Challenge after just two starts, including finishing a nose behind An Ocean Rocket in their trial.
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For more information, please contact rweber@RaceRuidoso.com .
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