Race 4: Fernweh (#1) finally makes her return to Ruidoso Downs following last season’s win in the $1 million Ruidoso Futurity. The filly is undefeated in four lifetime starts after having won Remington Park’s Oklahoma Bred Futurity April 18 by defeating last year’s All American winner Mr Jess Jenkins in a thrilling finish. She has earnings of over $541,000 in four career starts. Trainer Charles “Duke” Shultz conditions her for the first time while Jockey Ramirez is the regular rider for owner Carry “Rusty” Allred. “The owners made the decision to place here in the Oaks,” Shultz said. “It’s true that it might be a little easier to only run versus fillies, but it’s still going to be tough. It doesn’t matter which group of horses shows up to get in the gate with her—she’s still fast and we think she’s ready.” If final odds approach 2-1 lets go to the bank.

Race 6: Uncle D (#5) would be the likely favorite of a Rainbow “Future Book” to make the $700,00 final. There were issues with the Ruidoso Derby trial according to trainer Clinton Crawford. “It was sort of a split-second deal,” he said. “My rider said the colt heard something to his right and looked over the moment the gates opened.” Despite that piece of fortune, Uncle D still managed a second-place finish in his trial and decided to forego the consolation and prepare for the Rainbow. Jockey Cody Smith has been his rider in all but one lifetime start for owners Don and Fran Cavenaugh. After winning last season’s $1 million Rainbow Futurity, the horse also won last season’s All American Juvenile on Labor Day in a faster time than the All American Futurity winner. He’ll be a stud someday regardless of what happens here—but today is his time to shine. The morning line has the colt at 7/2 odds, but even-money is probably more like it.

Race 8: Oatman Creek Senator (#2) appeared to be a 440-yard race horse from the beginning of his career and finally gets the added-distance today for owner Terry Wootan and trainer Mike Joiner. The only time this gelding ever attempted a quarter-mile was in the All American trials last season finishing third in his heat. “I’m certain that this horse will do his best at 440-yards,” Joiner said. “He’s dad was Louisiana Senator who wanted the same thing.” Jockey Raul Ramirez Jr., will ride the favorite at odds of 5/2. 

Race 11: KJ Mucho Macho Man (#2) has been quietly putting together an incredible career for owners John and Kathy Lee and Ruben Mares. “He’s just been there every time, but also has been a little unlucky,” trainer Wes Giles said. This colt has never missed the board in ten lifetime starts—5 wins/2 seconds/3 thirds with earnings of almost $100k. He finished second in the Texas Classic consolation at Lone Star and third in the Ruidoso Derby consolation here. “He’s a hard worker,” Giles said. “Maybe one of these days we’ll get a big paycheck out of him.” Alan Hernandez is the regular rider for the colt that is 3-1 on the morning line.

Race 12: Determined One (#9) faces off against Ruidoso Derby winner Hotsempting in the final trial of the day. Here’s the third-place finisher in last season’s All American Futurity who was coming on strong for owner R.D. Hubbard who has since passed away. His wife Joan Dale and grandson Shaun share ownership of the gelding who won his Ruidoso Derby trial opening weekend by a neck. “I think he ran flat in that trial,” trainer Fincher said. “He came back and worked excellent after that, and being up against Hotsempting is a good thing because it will give him something to run against and should bring out the best in both horses.” Determined One is 7/2 on the morning line; better bet is an exacta box using the two horses.

Watch the entire 2020 Rainbow Derby Trials Playlist on YouTube.