Lorenzon best in Premier Stakes

Speed horses fared best on Friday's inaugural program of racing at Zia Park in Hobbs, N.M., including Lorenzon, who led throughout to win the track's $50,000 .

In total, five of the six Thoroughbred races on the card were won by front-runners, with all of the Thoroughbred races held around one turn. The remaining five races on the opening program were for Quarter Horses.

Lorenzon ($9.80) led the Premier field through fractions of 23.20 seconds for the opening quarter and 46.60 seconds for the half-mile mark. He went on to cover the six furlongs over a track rated fast in 1:10.80. Dangerous Devon finished a half-length back in second, while it was another length and a quarter in third to his entrymate, Go Kitty Go.

Captain Malory was scratched from the Premier.

Joe Martinez rode Lorenzon for trainer Jon Arnett. The win was the first in a stakes for the horse, who overall has won 6 of 13 starts and $84,316.

Zia Park is the fifth track to open in New Mexico, and it has been operating a slots casino since last November. The more than 650 machines in operation have helped provide for an average daily purse structure of about $230,000.

Zia Park, which features a one-mile dirt oval, was built at a cost of more than $45 million. R.D. Hubbard is the majority owner of the track, which will continue its inaugural meet through Dec. 4.

Officials said more than 3,000 patrons attended the opening day card Friday.