Historic Ruidoso Downs has undergone fire and flood damage in recent months, forcing the move of American Quarter Horse Racing’s most prestigious event, the All American Futurity, to its New Mexico sister track, the Downs at Albuquerque.
The traditional Labor Day timeslot and massive purse remains in check for these 2-year-olds, and the race takes on added buzz with a potential Triple Crown sweep in play. Only one horse in history has swept the Ruidoso Futurity, Rainbow Futurity and the All American, that being the legendary Special Effort in 1981. Can Hezgothelook Z pull off the sweep?
Let’s meet the contenders for the All American Futurity (Race 11), the 10-fastest qualifiers among 264 entrants in trials held August 9-10 over 440 yards:
#1-MOUNTAINAIRE: Winner in 2 of 3 lifetime made his first futurity final with a 1-length score late in Day 1 of the trials, significant given all other Day 1 qualifiers came earlier in the card when conditions were more favorable. One of 3 finalists for Albuquerque current meet leading trainer Toby Keeton, joining Hezgotthelook Z and Peepl R Scrambled. Keeton seeks his first All American Futurity title, while jockey Ricky Ramrez won this in 2020 aboard Whistle Stop Cafe.
#2-KJ BAD MOON RISING: Trainer Wes Giles seeks a second All American Futurity winner in 4 years, having scored here in 2021 with KJ Desperado. New Mexico-bred was third in the state-bred Zia Park Futurity before winning his All American trial in Day 2’s fourth-fastest time of 21.518. He’s won 2 of 4 and partners with his first-time trials rider Christian Ramos.
#3-HEZGOTHELOOK Z: Ruidoso Futurity and Rainbow Futurity winner has sprinted home clear in 5 straight, including a sharp trial victory into an 8 mph headwind while defeating Rainbow finals runner-up FDD Dreams. That time proved second-fastest over the pair of trials days, but was posted at an 18 mph win disadvantage to fastest-qualifier Ariatt. One of 3 finalists for Albuquerque current meet leading trainer Toby Keeton, joining Mountainaire and Peepl R Scrambled. Jockey Bryan Candanosa has been winning at more than 40% at the current Albuquerque meet while second in the standings by wins. (Pictured above, courtesy Ruidoso Downs.)
#4-BRINK MAN V: Day 2 of the trials’ fastest qualifier in 21. 367 for 2022 All American Futurity-winning trainer Heath Taylor. Even third in the Ruidoso Futurity final behind Hezgothelook Z in their previous matchup, the only loss in 3 starts for the gelding by 2018 All American Futurity winner Apollitical Jess. Logical second choice in the morning line to Hezgothelook Z. Red-hot hockey Francisco Calderon has been dominant at the Albuquerque meet and has been aboard in each of his starts.
#5-ARIATT: Fastest qualifier on either trials day, blazing :20.974 while benefitting from a 10 mph tailwind to win by a length at 8-1 odds. First futurity final for Tempting Dash gelding and first chance to take on Hezgotthelook Z. One of 3 qualifiers for trainer Xavier Rodriquez, joining Painted Eclipse and Fdd Dreams. Luis Martinez rides the third choice in the morning line.
#6-PAINTED ECLIPSE: Grade 2 West Texas Futurity winner won the first 3 of his career, but has lost 2 straight, including a no-threat fifth in the Ruidoso Futurity final behind a few of these. Day 2 AAF trials runner-up is by Pyc Paint Your Wagon. One of 3 qualifiers for trainer Xavier Rodriquez, joining Ariatt and FDD Dreams. Jockey Luis Martinez jumps to ride barnmate Ariatt, leaving the mount to Sergio Becerra Jr.
#7-TURNERS HOT HABIT: Slowest qualifier of the 10 finalists, posting a 21.543 clocking when beaten 1-1/4 lengths by Brink Man V. Longest shot in the morning line at 30-1, his lone victory in 4 starts came in a Ruidoso maiden race July 12. Trainer Ricardo Armendariz Jr. came into the weekend winless at the current Albuquerque meet.
#8-PEEPL R SCRAMBLED: Since staring 0-3, has won 2 straight, including a wind-aided Day 1 trials score with a 15 mph tailwind. One of 3 finalists for Albuquerque current meet leading trainer Toby Keeton, joining Hezgotthelook Z and Mountainaire. Jockey Bryan Candanosa obviously opts for stablemate Hezgothelook Z, the favorite, leaving the mount to Edwin Escobedo.
#9-HIGHLY REGARDED V: Beaten trials favorite when second-best to Ariatt on August 9 and once again showed his propensity to get in during the running. That action caused him to be DQ’d sixth to 10th in the Rainbow Futurity final. Joins Brink Man V here as finalists for trainer Heath Taylor, who won the ’22 All American Futurity with Hes Judgeandjury. Francisco Calderon hops saddles to ride the stablemate, leaving respected pilot Juan Pulido the mount. Son of 2018 AAF winner Apollitical Jess.
#10-FDD DREAMS: Three-time winner has simply been second-best in his last pair behind Hezgothelook Z, including the Rainbow Futurity final and their common August 9 trial. One of 3 qualifiers for trainer Xavier Rodriquez, joining Painted Eclipse and Ariatt. Jockey Luis Martinez opts for stablemate Ariatt, the fastest qualifier, leaving the mount here for Noe Garcia Jr.
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