Cody Lamont marked a 221 on Dual N Gritty to lead the first round of the $5,000 Novice at the NCHA Scottsdale Nationals Thursday.

Monty Buntin had the next best score with a 220.5 on Juan Catty Chica, while Mike Wood placed third in the qualifying round with a 219 on One Time At Night. In all, 21 horses marked 214.5 or better to advance to Friday’s finals.

Lamont, who was Open Champion of the NCHA Western Nationals in 2014 on Zack And Blue, rides Dual N Gritty for the  KT Ranch of Roosevelt, Utah. The 5-year-old mare was bred by Scott Amos by Neat Little Cat, out of Lilleth Merada. Dual N Gritty’s second dam, Lilly Dual, produced earners of nearly $700,000, including Merada Clone ($421,000) and Mighty Joe Merada ($163,000). Dual N Gritty brought earnings of $8,364 to Scottsdale.

Monty Buntin rode Juan Catty Chica for Michelle Van Amburg of Gardenville, Nevada. The 7-year-old Paint mare is by Juan Bad Cat out of Slip Down Girl. She has earnings of more than $56,000.

Mike Wood was on board One Time At Night for Teresa Home, of Santa Ynez, California. The 7-year-old gelding was bred by Matthews Cutting Horses by One Time Pepto out of Lenas Snow. He has earned $68,000.