Donelli Clocks Fastest Qualifying Time in Zia Derby Trials

Photo of Donelli by Jake Rogers, courtesy of Ruidoso Downs

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM – JULY 11, 2020 – On an overcast and breezy day at Ruidoso Downs, it was Donelli in the fourth heat that notched the fastest qualifying time with a 19.668, followed closely by Close to Crazy and First Neon Moon who also qualified from that same heat. The finals for the Grade II Zia Derby will be run on July 25th when 3-year-old New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses compete at 400 yards for a purse of $187,780.

Donelli, a gray filly by Big Daddy Cartel out of Tres of Alice by Tres Seis, is owned by MJ Farms (Mac Murray et al). Trained by Wes Giles, Donelli won the New Mexico Breeders’ Futurity last September in Albuquerque.

“We were concerned going in because the filly hadn’t been raced since January at Sunland, and we were wondering if she would get tired,” said Giles. “She’s always been the kind of filly that tries hard, and she showed her class in the end.”

Jockey Alan Hernandez has been aboard Donelli on all but one of her eight outings. Of those eight starts, the filly has run first or second in all of them.

“I know this horse very well, and I’ve ridden her many times including in the mornings,” said jockey Hernandez, “I kept her focused, and she did all the work.”

Mister Riptide, last year’s runner-up in the All American Futurity, was the eighth-fastest qualifier. The winds crossed directions midway through the trials which gave the horses in the final three races a tailwind advantage.

“He did everything right, and we were lucky enough to get in,” said trainer Duke Schults. “You can work them as many times as you want, but it’s not the same as a horse race. He hasn’t raced since the All American so obviously needed the race. He should come back stronger in the final.”

The complete field of qualifiers for the Zia Derby includes Close to Crazy (:19.701), Stominado (:19.825), First Neon Moon (:19.853), Colby James (:19.890), Flashing Moolah (:19.898), Dark Moon (:19.903), Mister Riptide (:19.965), Bigg Jack (:20.010), and Doinwhateverittakes (:20.011).

See a complete listing of time trial results.

Racing continues tomorrow at Ruidoso Downs with a 1:00 PM post time. At this time, the Turf Club and the Jockey Club are limited to 50% capacity due to the Public Health Order from the State of New Mexico. Turf Club tables are currently available online for $50 for a table for four. For more information on how to watch online, place your bet with your favorite online wagering provider, or conduct drive-thru wagering locally, please visit RaceRuidoso.com.