The Inside Track by Tim Keithley: All American Champ Apocalyptical Jess Returns to Ruidoso Downs

Racing royalty returns to Ruidoso Downs this weekend as 2018 All American Futurity champion Apocalyptical Jess returns to race in the $40,000 Mr Jet Moore Handicap on Sunday afternoon as #10 in the ninth race.

“He needs the out,” jockey Ricky Ramirez said about his mount who is listed as 6-1 on the morning line. “He hasn’t raced since Remington Park in the spring so we’re going to see what he’s got under race conditions. The ultimate goal for this horse is the All American Gold Cup Labor Day weekend.”

Ramirez said that Apocalyptical Jess was “hit or miss” in his three races at Remington Park in the spring. “I never want to make excuses, but I wonder if the night racing might have affected him. One thing is for sure, he loves racing here at Ruidoso Downs—always has.”

In nine career starts at Ruidoso Downs, the gelding has five wins and eight money finishes. The four-year-old has accumulated more than $2.2 million in earnings in sixteen-lifetime starts.

“He’s completely sound,” Ramirez said. “I’ve worked him a few times now and he’s feeling good. Sunday will be a good opportunity for him to be under race conditions again before the Gold Cup. We’re considering it a prep race.”

Other top older horses are also entered including SC Money Maker (#2) , winner of the $40,000 Higheasterjet Handicap this summer, and New News (#4), winner of the $40,000 John Andreini Stakes.