Mamas Stylish Sophie came into the NCHA Open World Finals “on the bubble,” so to speak, as the 15th-ranked horse in the World Standings. But her 228-point win with Chris Hanson in the first round of the NCHA World Finals in Fort Worth’s Watt Arena on November 28, earned $6,035 and shot her into the Top 10 for the year.

Hott Nu Cowboy, ridden by Cullen Chartier, placed second in the round with a 226, while Little Jackson Cat’s 225 under Mike Wood gave him third in the round, but nudged him into a $38 lead in the World Standings.

Mamas Stylish Sophie LTE $130,733 is owned by German Lugo of Gainesville, Tex. and was bred by Mama’s Ranch. She’s a 6-year-old by Dual Rey out of Stylish Amanda LTE $109,648. Stylish Amanda has produced earners of $633,451 including LHR Royal Flush LTE $161,415, One Flashy Style LTE $81,381 and Super Stakes reserve champ Creepy Crawler LTE $74,971.

Hanson and Mamas Stylish Sophie won last year’s Waco Texas Classic and have been finalists in seven other major Open aged events. Chris Hanson is the NCHA Hall of Fame earner of $1,174,830. He’s shown four Top 15 horses.

Hott Nu Cowboy is owned by Circle R Cutting Horses and was bred by Wrigley Ranches by Hottish out of Special Nu Kitty LTE $301,268. Special Nu Kitty has produced earners of $525,566, including Special Nu Boon LTE $188,246, who placed third in the NCHA Futurity under Michael Cooper. Special Nu Kitty is a half-sister to 2015 NCHA World Champion Special Nu Baby.

Little Jackson Cat LTE $296,165, now holding a narrow lead in the World Standings, is owned by Dawn Chapman and was bred by Kenneth Jackson by High Brow Cat out of Rey To Play.

The 10-year-old mare was an NCHA Derby and Super Stakes finalist and went on to be $25,000 Novice World Champion in 2018 with Mike Wood.