$1 Million Ruidoso Futurity and $900,000 Ruidoso Derby Headline This Weekend’s Program

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM – June 2, 2020 – Live racing continues at Ruidoso Downs this weekend with the running of the first leg of the Quarter Horse Triple Crown, the $1 Million Ruidoso Futurity, on Sunday, June 7.  The Grade 1 stakes race features 2-year-old Quarter Horses that will race 350 yards in an effort to claim the first jewel in the Triple Crown. The Futurity is set for the 10th race and expected post time is 4:54 PM MDT.

Cavanaugh Quarter Horses’ Apollitical Redflash, the 2-year-old gelding by Apollitical Jess out of Chalala, is the morning line favorite. Apollitical Redflash won his trial by over two lengths—the widest margin of any finalist. Jockey Ricky Ramirez, the winner of last year’s Ruidoso Futurity, has the mount.

“We started him at Remington as a colt and had high expectations, but it seemed that we really weren’t getting as much out of him as had been anticipated,” said Renee Wilson, an assistant trainer in the Clinton Crawford barn. “Then we gelded him, and it’s like a completely different racehorse. He’s focused on racing, not other things. He showed his talent in the trial in winning by over two lengths and he’s really eating and feeling good. He’s ready for Sunday.”

Trainer Jose Meraz is double-entered for Sunday’s Grade 1 with Elmer, the fastest time trial from both days of 17.799 seconds at 350-yards, and Favorite Blue Girl.

“The colt came back after the race perfect; still bouncing as if he wanted to go again,” Meraz said. “The La Feliz Montana Ranch feels proud to have qualified two for the final, and we are very excited to have the chance to race against some very talented horses. Elmer is the type of horse where nothing bothers him. He has a quiet demeanor until it’s time to race. His attitude is extremely positive about racing and hopefully winning.”

The complete field for the $1 Million G1 Ruidoso Futurity includes Favorite Blue Girl, Elmer, Apollitical Redflash, Cyber Monday, Packsaddle Senator, Speed Dynasty, Misscandymountain, KJ Daisy Duke, Tuckk and Jettz. 

Sunday’s race card also includes the $100,000 Ruidoso Juvenile. The five fastest non-qualifiers from each day of the Ruidoso Futurity trials qualify for the Juvenile.  The 2-year-olds set to run 350-yards include: Jess Agree, Watch Him B Famous, Valiantt, A Dangerous Flash, Steal the Candy, Distinctive Delight, TLC Apache Heart, For the Irony, Seven, Spirit Valley.

The $900,000 Grade 1 Ruidoso Derby is the first major stakes race of the year at Ruidoso Downs. Three-year-old Quarter Horses will run 400 yards to the wire on Saturday afternoon, and post time for the 11th race is approximately 5:10 PM MDT. 

Trainer John Stinebaugh has three starters in the Derby with Katch This Bird, Cartel Charly, and Kylee Joy. Kylee Joy a brown filly by First Moonflash out of Quiet Courage, was the third-fastest qualifier in the trials, even with a stumble at the start. 

“She came to us from Utah last season and didn’t show us much, but everything she raced in, she seemed to perform just a little better,” said Stinebaugh. “That’s been her game to show just a little improvement each time—6th, then 5th, then 3rd. The other day in the trials she stumbled coming out, collected herself and really started to run down the racetrack. We think she has tremendous potential to break her maiden in the final.”

Miguel Y. Gallegos and Mauricio Gallegos’ Hotsempting had the fastest qualifying time of 19.945 seconds at 400 yards. Jockey Esgar Ramirez has had the mount in all career starts including the second-place finish last season in the Rainbow Futurity to Uncle D. 

 “Racing here you are always dealing with other horses, the clock and the elements. She seemed to handle all three in the trials—just took off like she was on fire. The filly relishes racing here, and you can tell. She made two Triple Crown finals as a 2-year-old then comes right back and makes the final of her first Derby. We’re expecting some big things out of her all season,” said trainer Sergio Ibarra.

The field for the Ruidoso Derby includes Apollitical Papa, Oatman Creek Senator, Hotsempting, Tres of Hero, Katch This Bird, Cartel Charly, Cers Final Try, Kylee Joy, Kleptomaniac, and Running Buddy.

Saturday also includes the $100,000 Ruidoso Invitational Stakes. The 10 fastest non-qualifiers from the Ruidoso Derby trials qualify for the Invitational. The 3-year-olds set to run 400-yards includes KJ Frankie B, KJ Mucho Macho Man, Avyator, My Fast Prize, Why, Dynast, Elm Creek Khrome, Truly A Dynasty, Laser Cut, Apollitical J Wild. 

Live racing starts on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 PM MDT with the Mountain Top New Mexico Bred Thoroughbred Futurity Trials. The 10 fastest times from the five trial races will compete for the $125,000 Mountain Top Futurity on June 20 at Ruidoso Downs.

Post time is 1:00 PM MDT on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. At this time, fans will not be in attendance to watch live racing due to the Public Health Order from the State of New Mexico limiting mass gatherings due to COVID-19. 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.