Nanoosh gets first stakes win in Zia Park Derby

Nanoosh racked up his third straight win Wednesday with a determined, three-quarter length victory over favorite Air Strike in the $250,000 Zia Park Derby.

“He showed lots of heart,” said winning trainer Robertino Diodoro.

Combatant finished third, 1 1/2 lengths behind Air Strike.

The Zia Derby was one of seven stakes that made up Wednesday's $1 million Land of Enchantment program in Hobbs, N.M. It was the featured event alongside the $250,000 Zia Park Oaks won by Cosmic Burst ($7.80).

Nanoosh ($26.20) entered the Zia Derby off allowance wins at Canterbury – on the grass – and Turf Paradise. He sat just off the leaders Wednesday under Orlando Mojica as Limation took the field through an opening quarter in 23.46 seconds and a half-mile in 46.89. Air Strike moved to the fore through six furlongs in 1:10.53 and was joined by Nanoosh, who managed to push past the leader in the late stages. Nanoosh covered 1 1/16 miles on a fast track in 1:41.96.

“All day it was speed, and I just told Orlando 'If not on the lead, keep him right there,'” said Diodoro. “It was tough for come-from-behind horses.

“His best running style is close to the lead. He’s done that both times he’s won for us. We wanted him right there. Orlando did a great job.”

Nanoosh races for his breeder, Zayat Stables. He is a son of Paynter, who won the Grade 1 Haskell Invitational for Zayat Stables in 2012.

Diodoro said the next move with Nanoosh will be discussed with Justin Zayat.

“Between the two of us, we’ll come up with some good ideas,” said Diodoro.

Diodoro had been looking forward to the Zia Derby for Nanoosh, especially after he worked a bullet half-mile in 46 seconds Nov. 7 at Turf Paradise.

“My assistant back in Phoenix and myself, we thought he was getting better and better and he proved it today,” said Diodoro.

The remaining order of finish in the Zia Derby was All Out Blitz in fourth, followed by Sky Promise, Yulong Warrior, Analyze This Jet, Limation, and Restrainedvengenence.

The Zia Derby was one of two stakes wins on the card for Diodoro and Mojica, who also teamed together to capture the $75,000 Zia Park Juvenile with Oil Money.