Valeriano Racing Stables Run 1-2 in the Derby & Win the All American Gold Cup

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM – September 6, 2020 – Gold Heart Eagle V proved that clocking the fastest qualifying time was not a fluke as he flew down the track today to win the G1 $1,007,688 All American Derby under clear skies on a fast track. With just a slight tailwind of 2 MPH, Gold Heart Eagle V hit the wire 1 ½ lengths ahead of second-place finisher Inaugurator with a time of :21.042 – even faster than his qualifying time. Gold Heart Eagle V and Inaugurator are both owned by Valeriano Racing Stables, LLC and trained by Monty Arrossa. A $2 win ticket on Gold Heart Eagle V paid $5.20.

Gold Heart Eagle V, a brown colt by One Famous Eagle out of Ladys Heart of Gold by Strawfly Special, was bred in Texas by Christine Hudson. He finished third in the 2020 Rainbow Derby behind Cers Final Try and Hotsempting, who finished third and fourth respectively today. 

“It just seemed like Gold Heart Eagle V had the most incredible racing luck,” said trainer Arrossa. “The break just parted in his favor, and James kept him so clear. It was an amazing win. And then for our other horse to step up for second. It was the Derby of our dreams.” 

Jockey James Flores had the mount for the win today and had nothing but praise for the horse and his impressive performance. 

“He was all business today. I started feeling comfortable about 150 yards in when we were clear, and I knew I had this kind of horse underneath me,” said Flores. “I was so thankful to have the opportunity. He’s a super horse, and you have to ride that kind of horse to win a race like this. I wouldn’t trade places with anybody. I want to thank all the owners and trainers who give me the opportunity to live my dreams.”

Ratification Wins the Inaugural All American Oaks as Connections Honor John Buchanan

In the inaugural running of the $421,165 All American Oaks, a new division for fillies added this year to the Rainbow and All American Derbies, Ratification demonstrated why she is considered one of the best 3-year-old fillies on the track. She did what she has done all season and hit the wire first to win by a length with a time of :21.345. Kiss Thru Fire, trained by Duke Shults, finished second by a neck over third-place finisher Kieva who comes out of the Clint Crawford barn. A $2 win ticket on Ratification, the race-time favorite, paid $3.40.

The Texas-bred sorrel filly by Apollitical Jess out of Shesa First Ratify by First Down Dash, is owned by Bobby Cox who is also the breeder. Ratification is trained by Juan Vazquez who took over the training duties after the passing of trainer John Buchanan on August 28th.  

“I know he’s here with us today,” said Amanda Buchanan of her late father. “We owe so much credit to Juan for all that he’s done. He’s a member of our family and has kept it all together. We’re so proud, and it’s absolutely an honor to have won the inaugural running of the Oaks.” 

Trainer Vazquez took Ratification back to the barn himself after the race and plans to spend the night in the barn watching over the horses.

"John was so great with this horse, and she was ready to run,” said Vazquez. “She's a great horse, and she gets better every time. He really did a wonderful job with all of his horses, and he would have been so proud of her. This win means so much to me and our team. John was looking over us today, and his spirit was with us.”

Jockey Francisco Calderon, who is currently second in the Quarter Horse jockey standings for the season, was aboard for the winning ride today.

“I know John was with me today,” said jockey Calderon. “The filly has sometimes tried to veer out a little, and today she ran straight as an arrow. I knew John was helping me out the whole way.”

 Ratification is 5-1 since making the move to the Buchanan/Vazquez barn, and 5-0 in the her last five starts. Going into the race today, she had career earnings of $203,489. After the win today, that number jumps to $380,378.

Newcomer to Ruidoso Downs, Dexxter Shines in the All American Gold Cup

The G1 $125,000 All American Gold Cup had an impressive line-up of talent on the card today, including Apocalyptical Jess, the 2018 All American Futurity winner. In the end, it was Dexxter, a newcomer to Ruidoso Downs that hit the wire first running the 440 yards in :21.251 to win by a neck. There was a slight crosswind blowing at race-time, and the track was fast. Race-time favorite Danjer, the Dean Frey-trained gelding finished second and Valiant Tiberias out of the Wes Giles barn ran third. A $2 win ticket on Dexxter paid $6.20.

Owned by the Dunn Ranch and Valeriano Racing Stables LLC, the sorrel gelding by Corona Cartel out of Tres of Linda by Tres Seis, was bred in Utah by McColee Land & Livestock. He is hails from the barn of Monty Arrossa. 

According to Sam Valeriano of Valeriano Racing Stables LLC: “Right now I just feel so blessed to have these horses. My trainer (Monty Arrossa) and our rider (James Flores) work so hard to prepare them for these races. To run one-two in the Derby is a dream come true. And to win the Gold Cup with Dexxter, I’m not sure we’ll ever have a day like today. I lost my father, Greg, in January, and I feel that somehow, he is watching over us this year. These horses won at Remington Park as well. We feel a sense of gratitude.”

Dexxter was ridden today by James Flores who also rode Gold Heart Eagle V, the eventual winner of the All American Derby. Flores has won three in a row on Dexxter including the 2020 Remington Park Invitational Championship on May 30th.

“He’s such a nice horse. Just so professional. He makes me look like I know what I’m doing,” said jockey Flores. “He’s been here all summer and training really hard. Sometimes it feels like he wants to train me in the mornings. He wants to run off with me around the race track. He was so fresh and ready. I want to thank trainer Monty Arrossa for giving me the opportunity to ride him.”

Oatman Creek Senator Never Falters to Win the All American Invitational

 In the first of four stakes races of the day, Oatman Creek Senator broke well and led the entire 440 yards in the $100,000 All American Invitational Stakes to win by ½-length. The Oklahoma-bred gelding is owned and bred by Wootan Racing/Terry Wootan et al and is trained by Mike Joiner.

“I wish we could have been in the finals, and he had run in that race,” said trainer Joiner. “He’s been very consistent all summer. We just had a little bad luck in the trials time-wise, but we’re happy with him.” 

Jockey Raul Ramirez guided Oatman Creek Senator to the win today with a time of :21.247.

“He ran his best race all summer long,” said Ramirez. “We got out-broke by the 6-horse, but then my horse kept getting stronger as the race went on. He should have been in the Derby instead of the consolation, but it is what it is.” 

My Fast Prize out of the Wes Giles barn finished second, and race-time favorite Cattail Cove, who was brought in from California by trainer Todd Fincher, ran third.  

On Monday, the racing season at Ruidoso Downs concludes with the running of the $3 Million GI All American Futurity, the world’s richest Quarter Horse race, the $200,000 All American Juvenile, and the $20,000 Governor’s Handicap. The Cowboy Channel will broadcast the All American Futurity and the All American Juvenile live from Ruidoso Downs from 4:00-5:30 PM MDT. Post time for the All American Futurity is 5:12 PM. Post time on Monday is 1:00 PM.

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. For more information on how to watch online, place your bet with your favorite online wagering provider, or conduct drive-thru wagering at the Sale Barn, please visit RaceRuidoso.com