Icy Morning Breeze Keeps Win Streak Going in Mountain Top Derby
Photo of 2021 Mountain Top New Mexico Bred Quarter Horse Derby, Icy Morning Breeze. Photo by Jake Rogers, courtesy of Ruidoso Downs.
Indeed A Favorite Takes Charge Late and Rolls to Victory in the Ruidoso Maiden Stakes
In the $90,636 Mountain Top TB Derby, Icy Morning Breeze, a 3-year-old filly, broke quickly and held off a stellar field of state-breds to win with a time of :17.28 in the $90,636 Mountain Top QH Derby. She paid $13.20, $4.80 and $4.00. There was a dead heat for second place between Fanncee and Bigg Dee.
The filly is owned by the estate of Mary and William Robertson. Their son, William Jr., was in the winner’s circle to accept the trophy.
“They’re looking over us and smiling,” Robertson said. “They loved racing, and they worked hard to establish this bloodline. This is overwhelming.”
Icy Morning Breeze‘s sire is Winners Version out of the thoroughbred mare Icy Storm by Attila’s Storm.
“She’s a little horse with such a big heart,” said jockey Hector Aldrete. “This is my favorite horse because she bares down and doesn’t like to be outrun.”
Icy Morning Breeze is trained by longtime Ruidoso Downs conditioner Jackie Riddle. The filly has now won three straight races and has four career wins in six races.
Indeed A Favorite, a 3-year-old, overcame crowding early and held off Painted Snowclouds to win the $96,969 Maiden Stakes Saturday at Ruidoso Downs Race Track. The gelding paid $21.80, $8.20 and $5.80 win with a race time of 17.284 seconds on a fast track.
“I sat chill on him and waited for just the right moment,” said jockey Mario Delgado in the winner’s circle. “All I had to do was encourage him, and he responded. He showed his class by the time we got to the end of the 350.”
Indeed A Favorite is owned by Dr. Leonard Blach, Kevin Blach, Ray Willis and Gary Andrews. It was the gelding’s first career win in five lifetime starts. Indeed A Favorite’s sire is Favorite Cartel out of the mare Indeed A Delight by Wave Carver and was bred in California.
“This horse wants more ground,” said trainer Todd Fincher. “This was a heart-building effort today, and I think he’ll be ready to take on strong horses and longer distances this summer.”
Racing continues tomorrow with the finals of the Mountain Top QH Futurity. Post time is 1:00 PM.
For more information about the upcoming 2021 racing schedule or to reserve your tickets and plan your visit, go to RaceRuidoso.com.