Graded stakes winner Donelli (pictured) and Colby James are among the 25 state-bred sophomores entered in Saturday’s 400-yard New Mexico State Fair Derby (R) trials at Albuquerque Downs.

A homebred daughter of Big Daddy Cartel trained by Wes Giles for Mac and Janis Murray’s MJ Farms at Veguita, New Mexico, Donelli is coming off of a third-place finish, a half of a length behind winner Mister Riptide, in the 400-yard, $183,000 Zia Derby (RG2) at Ruidoso Downs on July 25. The filly has earned $276,044 from nine races, and her five wins include a three-quarter length victory in last year’s 400-yard, $386,000 New Mexico State Fair Futurity (RG3) at Albuquerque Downs.

Donelli drew post 7 and will be ridden by Alan Hernandez in the second of three trials.

Colby James is a sorrel son of Jesse James Jr trained by James Gonzales II for owner Rex Wells, who purchased the gelding for $15,000 at the 2018 New Mexico-Bred Sale at Ruidoso Downs. Colby James has won four of eight starts, including last year’s 350-yard, $404,000 Mountain Top Futurity (RG2), and he has banked $333,874.

Colby James drew post 2 and will be ridden by Sergio Becerra Jr. in the third heat.

Mi Moonflash, a homebred graded stakes placed daughter of champion First Moonflash, drew the rail post and will be ridden by Alonso Rivera for trainer Jimmy Padgett in the second trial. Owned by Pierre and Leslie Amestoy of Albuquerque and Roger K. Beasley, the filly is coming off of a 2-year-old campaign during which she ran third in the New Mexico State Fair Futurity and was a finalist in the 400-yard, $327,000 New Mexico Cup Futurity (RG2) at Zia Park.

The 10 fastest qualifiers will meet in the $250,000-est. New Mexico State Fair Derby final on September 20.