The Wrong Guy rallied from well back to capture the $100.000 Hobbs Fall Classic at Zia Park, overtaking the leaders in the stretch to win the 6 1/2-furlong State Bred stakes for two-year-olds foaled in New Mexico under Felipe Da Silva for Night Rider Stables. The bay colt posted a final time of 1:15.42 over a fast track, earning his third career victory from four starts. Despite breaking from post one, The Wrong Guy demonstrated exceptional closing ability and determination to secure the victory, providing solid value for connections and establishing himself as a legitimate contender among New Mexico-bred juveniles heading into 2026.

Flow & Calls

As the gates opened for the Hobbs Fall Classic, Brandy Palace broke alertly from post two to establish position in second through the opening quarter mile in :22.3. The Wrong Guy, breaking from the rail, settled into sixth under Da Silva. Police Authority occupied fourth in the early stages after breaking from post six, while Rattler King raced in fifth. Hooah settled into fifth position as well, with Dirty Harry occupying third as the field completed the opening quarter over the fast surface.

Through the half-mile marker reached in :45.4, Brandy Palace had improved his position dramatically, moving up to first and taking command of the race. The Wrong Guy had begun his move, advancing to third. Police Authority moved up to first, also challenging for the lead. Rattler King continued from fifth, while Hooah had dropped back to second. Dirty Harry raced in third as the field approached the far turn.

As the field reached the six-furlong marker in 1:09.3, Brandy Palace continued to show the way in third position, maintaining contact with the leaders. The Wrong Guy had continued his forward move, advancing to second and positioning himself for the stretch drive. Police Authority raced in first, showing the way. Rattler King occupied fifth, while Hooah had moved up to second. Dirty Harry dropped back to fourth as the field prepared to straighten for home.

In the final furlong, The Wrong Guy surged powerfully under Da Silva’s urging, sweeping past the leaders to secure the victory. Brandy Palace fought on gamely to claim second after showing speed throughout. Police Authority held on well to secure third after racing prominently early. Rattler King finished fourth after pressing the pace, while Hooah completed the top five. Dirty Harry finished sixth, unable to threaten. The winner crossed the finish line a neck in front of the runner-up.

Each Runner Mentioned

The Wrong Guy settled into sixth through the opening quarter in :22.3, improved to third at the half-mile marker in :45.4, advanced to second at the six-furlong call in 1:09.3, and surged powerfully in the stretch to win by a neck in a final time of 1:15.42 for his third career victory.

Brandy Palace raced in second through the opening quarter, moved up to first at the half-mile marker, occupied third at the six-furlong call, and fought on gamely to claim second, beaten a neck.

Police Authority occupied fourth position through the opening quarter, moved to first at the half-mile marker, showed the way at the six-furlong call, but was overtaken in the stretch to finish third in just his third career start.

Rattler King raced in fifth through the opening quarter, maintained fifth at the half-mile marker, continued from fifth at the six-furlong call, but flattened out in the final furlong to finish fourth while carrying 122 pounds.

Hooah settled into fifth position through the opening quarter, dropped to second at the half-mile marker, moved up to second at the six-furlong call, but faded to finish fifth.

Dirty Harry occupied third position through the opening quarter, maintained third at the half-mile marker, dropped back to fourth at the six-furlong call, and finished sixth, never able to threaten.

Winner’s Profile

The Wrong Guy, a bay colt by Hard To Deny out of Laie, was bred by Night Mare Racing and is owned by Night Rider Stables in New Mexico. The victory pushes his lifetime earnings to $76.080 with three wins from four career starts. Having proven his effectiveness at 6 1/2 furlongs and demonstrated powerful closing ability in stakes company, The Wrong Guy has established himself as a legitimate prospect among New Mexico-bred juveniles heading into the winter months. His rallying style and proven effectiveness at the classic sprint distance make him an intriguing prospect for future assignments.

Track: Fast
Time: :22³  :45⁴  1:09³  1:15²

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 1 – 2 Paid 9.50
$1 Trifecta: 1 – 2 – 6 Paid 19.80

Scratched: None

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded