Weekend Preview by Mike Ahrens: August 21 - 23, 2020

The big one is here, as this weekend provides plenty of action with 32 trials for the All American Futurity on Friday and Saturday along with four trials for the All American Oaks and nine for the All American Derby on Sunday.

The clear highlight of Friday's card is race 12 which pits the Rainbow Futurity winner in Whistle Stop Cafe against the runner-up from that event in Mister Illusion. The former seemed to finish that race with plenty in reserve and rider Ricky Ramirez said of the filly she "found another gear" so the added 40 yards should not be an issue. But the latter is more lightly-raced having just two lifetime starts and has more upside. In any case, it should be a thrilling heat.

Saturday's second race is an intriguing heat, featuring the fastest qualifier to the Rainbow Futurity as well as two runners who just missed the finals. Wryker, for trainer Marc Jungers, was the quickest in those trials but had a bump at the break in the finals and ran evenly. "He's ornery and ready to go," said the trainer. HR Princess Jess from the barn of Eddie Willis was sixth fastest on that day and missed the final qualifying spot by one hundredth of a second. Flashing My PJs ran on the first day of trials and missed by two hundredths of a second after a troubled start. She came back to work in company in a superb 10.96 on August 6th. Trainer John Stinebaugh said of the work, "She did it easily, too."

For Sunday's Derby trials all eyes will be on Cers Final Try, winner of the Rainbow Derby, who goes in race seven. In his preparations for this weekend, he worked 330 yards from the gate on August 11 in 16.71, which is very likely the fastest 330-yard gate work seen at Ruidoso Downs in at least four years. Trainer Tony Sedillo is simply hoping for a clean trip, as this gelding seems to just get better and better.