Marseille notches upset in Hobbs America Derby

Marseille upset Quarter Horse champion Imperial Eagle on Sunday when he won his maiden in the Grade 3, $151,500 Hobbs America Derby at Zia Park. Imperial Eagle finished second, beaten a half-length, while it was another 1 1/2 lengths to Sfs Simple Life in third.

The Hobbs America Derby shared a card with the Grade 2, $201,500 Hobbs America Futurity won by Papaws Paint ($21.20).

Marseille ($25.80) was prominent throughout from his rail post and covered 440 yards on a fast track in 21.97 seconds. Jose Enrique Ortiz rode the winner for owner Hugo Esquivel and trainer Eric Quintana.

Marseille earned $72,256 for his maiden win in the Hobbs America Derby, which was his seventh career start. He came into the race off a runner-up finish in his trial, beaten a neck Sept. 24. Marseille is a Colorado-bred son of Fdd Dynasty.

Papaws Paint improved his career record to 5 for 6 when he won his first stakes race in the Hobbs America Futurity. Papaws Paint was with the pace throughout and was a three-quarter-length winner over Jessica Alexandra. He covered 400 yards on a track rated fast in 19.88 seconds.

Bonifacio Perez was aboard the winner for R H Resources and trainer Todd Fincher.

Papaws Paint earned $103,184 on Sunday. He is an Oklahoma-bred son of Pyc Paint Your Wagon.