FIRST MOONFLASH ROARS HOME IN $125,000 JESS BURNER MEMORIAL HANDICAP
SUNLAND PARK, NM — DECEMBER 12, 2009 — Three-time world record First Moonflash roared home a winner in the $125,000 Jess Burner Memorial Handicap at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. Last season’s Quarter Horse of the Meet responded eagerly in deep stretch and powered past A First Caller by one-half length.
The winner ridden by regular pilot Alejandro Medellin sped through the 400 yards in a sharp 18.87 seconds. His timing earned a 103 speed index.
Carrying top weight of 130 pounds, the 2-5 favorite won for the 10th time in his last 11 starts. The powerhouse four-year-old son of FIRST TO FLASH should be considered one of the prime favorites for the $350,000 Grade 1 Championship at Sunland Park to be contested on Saturday, Dec. 26.
First Moonflash is now a two-time winner of the Jess Burner. He earned a $75,000 paycheck for owners Pierre and Leslie Amestoy, Jr. and Maria G. Gonzalez. The New Mexico-bred racing star improved his stellar career record to 13 wins from 24 starts. His earnings top the $810,000 mark.
First Moonflash parlayed a victory in last year’s Jess Burner to a major triumph in the 2008 Championship at Sunland Park.
A First Caller ran courageously under jockey Oscar Rincon to earn second place honors. The runner-up trained by former Sunland Park riding great J.J. Gonzales grabbed an early advantage but could not stall off the big favorite. A First Caller has finished second to First Moonflash in two straight stakes races. He earned $26,500 for owner Richard Shearer of Portales, New Mexico.
The reliable stakes runner One Diamond Kitty threw in another credible performance on Saturday. Under the nation’s third leading Quarter Horse jockey Cody Jensen, One Diamond Kitty closed along the rail to finish third.
