(Ruidoso Downs, NM) Mendel, a two-year-old New Mexico-bred quarter horse, broke sharply and accelerated to a three-and-a-half length win in the third trial race today for the $350,486 Mountain Top Futurity at Ruidoso Downs.

“For a first-start I thought the horse showed tremendous talent,” jockey Francisco Calderon said. “The winds were playing around throughout the day but this one got rolling pretty quickly and pulled-away with a very nice time”

Mendel is sired by Big Daddy Cartel out of the mare Diamondia by Mr Jess Perry. The gelding paid $6.60, $4.40 and $3.40 in the fastest time of the day, 17.595 for 350-yards. Trainer JJ Gonzales III trains Medel for owner Carlos Lujan of Rancho El 48.

The top-ten fastest times advanced to the Mountain Top Futurity final to be run on Sunday, June 16. Racing continues on Sunday with the trials for the $174,853 Mountain Top Derby for three-year-old quarter horses. First post is set for 1 p.m.