Otts Boy Top Qualifier in Day 2 Trials For $1 Million Ruidoso Futurity at Ruidoso Downs

Ruidoso Downs, NM—Otts Boy, a two-year-old gelding that was homebred by his owner Luke Goebel, ran the fastest qualifying time of the day Saturday during the second day of trials for the $1 million Ruidoso Futurity at Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

It was a second straight career win for the youngster that was named after Luke’s father Otto Goebel who raced horses for decades and owned Otts Boy’s sire, Mr Ottyes. Otto passed away in 2014, and when the horse was born, Luke decided to name it in honor of his father.

“I knew this horse might be special when he was born,” Luke said. He raised the horse on his ranch in Three Rivers, Texas. “We’ve never been in a stakes final like this before—this is a big deal to our family.”

Otts Boy paid $9.40, $5.60 and $4.00 to win the thirteenth race covering the 350-yards in a time of 17.846 seconds with Jockey Ramon Sanchez on board for trainer Toby Keeton.

“The horse was very quiet warming up and going into the gate,” Sanchez said. “He was very professional about his business.”

A strong headwind was a factor in both days of qualifying for the Ruidoso Futurity, especially on Saturday which impacted the race times. Other quarter horses that qualified for the June 12 final include: Ride Around in 18.054 seconds; Beneficial in 18.058 seconds; Hes Judgeandjury in 18.107 seconds and Lota Hot Mess in 18.124 seconds.

Racing continues on Sunday at Ruidoso Downs with trials for the $850,000 (est) Ruidoso Derby. First post time is 1 p.m. For more information visit www.raceruidoso.com.