The 7 Ranch NCHA Open World Finals got a new leader in Thursday’s third round in Fort Worth’s Watt Arena. Hott Nu Cowboy, ridden by Cullen Chartier, scored 231 to win the round by 4 points over Somethingtobelievein, ridden by Brett McGlothlin, followed by Pedel To The Metal with a 226 under Ascencion Banuelos.

That gave Hott Nu Cowboy $10,863 in World Finals earnings, the metric used to determine the World Finals winner. Mamas Stylish Sophie, ridden by Chris Hanson, is currently in second place at $10,139, with round four and a pencil finals scheduled for Saturday.

Hott Nu Cowboy LTE $173,255 is a 6-year-old gelding bred by Wrigley Ranches and owned by Circle R Cutting Horses of Ocala, Florida. He is by Hottish out of Special Nu Kitty LTE $301,268. Special Nu Kitty is half-sister to 2015 NCHA World Champion Special Nu Baby.

Hott Nu Cowboy has scores of 226-202-231 through the first three rounds for a total of 659. Mamas Stylish Sophie leads the cumulative score with 671 points.

Cullen Chartier has career earnings of more than $971,000.