Painted SnowClouds 9/5 Choice in $96,969 Maiden Stakes on Saturday at Ruidoso Downs

Painted Snowclouds is expected to be 9-to-5 betting choice on Saturday’s race card in the $96,969 Ruidoso Maiden Stakes to be run as the 8th race on the card.

“He’s been sort of a late-bloomer, but he’s become a very nice 3-year-old,” said Renee Wilson, the assistant trainer in the Clinton Crawford barn.

In order to be eligible for the Maiden Stakes, a Quarter Horse has to be winless as early as March 1 of this year. Since March 12, Painted Snowclouds has three consecutive wins for owner Rick Crispl with jockey Jorge Torres aboard each trip to the winner’s circle.

Painted Snowclouds was the fastest qualifier in the time trials for the Maiden Stakes by covering 350-yards in 17.620 seconds on June 6.

Saturday’s card also includes the $90,636 Mountain Top New Mexico-bred Derby for 3-year-olds. Leading Cartel has been made the 2-1 morning line favorite for Reliance Ranches and trainer Mike Robbins, while Bigg Dee is the 5/2 second-choice for owner Rex Wells and trainer James Gonzales.