All American Futurity, Derby, All American trials to be held at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack
Quarter horse racing's biggest event is nearly here, the All American Futurity, a Grade 1, 440-yard event contested on Labor Day at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino. But first up, horses must qualify for the 10-horse field. Here is a look at how the horses get there.
All American Futurity trials
On Friday and Saturday in Ruidoso, there will be a total of 32 trials to determine the 10 horses that qualify for the finals for the most popular quarter horse race in the world, which is for 2-year-olds going 440 yards.
There are 16 trials each day and the five fastest horses from each day will make up the 10 qualifying horses. The first All American Futurity was held in 1959. Last year's winner was Hes Judgeandjury, the winning trainer was Heath Taylor and the winning jockey was James Flores.
The post time for Friday and Saturday races is 11 a.m.
How to watch the trials
Fans can go to the races in Ruidoso and there is free admission for fans who do not sit in the turf club, jockey club or buy an assigned seat. Parking is free.
Fans can also go to Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino and watch the trials free of charge.
Horses to watch in the All American Futurity trials
Trusty Jess, ran seventh in the Ruidoso Futurity in June runs on Friday.
Deep Blue, ran second in the Heritage Place Futurity at Remington Park in Oklahoma City runs on Friday.
KJ Little Duce Coup, won the West Texas Futurity and qualified for Ruidoso Futurity runs Friday.
Rainbow Futurity winner Dark Nme runs on Friday.
Lets Leave, won the Ruidoso Futurity and was second in the West Texas Futurity runs on Saturday.
Tickets for Labor Day weekend still remain
It was announced last month that Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino was making changes to the Labor Day weekend of racing. All fans must now have tickets to enter the racing venue on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The All American Derby for 3-year-olds going 440 yards is on Sunday, Sept. 3 and the All American Futurity is on Monday, Sept. 4.
Reserved seating and admission for the Saturday, Sunday and Monday programs of All-American weekend are available at https://tickets.raceruidoso.com and tickets range from $15-50.
Sunday's card
Sunday features 15 races, six of which are trials for the All American Oaks and nine of which are trials for the All American Derby.
Like the All American Futurity, there will be 10 qualifiers for both the Oaks and Derby, but unlike the Futurity trials, all 10 fastest qualifiers will do so in one day.
Post time on Sunday is 11 a.m. and like Friday and Saturday, there is free admission to those who don't sit in the Jockey Club, Turf Club or who have assigned seats.
Oaks, Derby trial horses to watch
Sweet Emylou runs in the Oaks and ran second in the Rainbow Oaks last month in Ruidoso.
Ezee Monee returns to the Oaks division and looks to finish her strong summer in a big way. She's already won the Rainbow Oaks and ran fourth in the Ruidoso Derby.
San Lorenzo Jet, has won five of six races in Louisiana at a high level, takes his shot at qualifying for the Ruidoso Derby.
Sicario V, was second in last year's All American Futurity and won this year's Rainbow Derby, looks to qualify for the All American Derby.
New Mexico-bred Doing Something Good, was fourth in the All American Futurity last year and just recently won the Zia Derby in Ruidoso, takes aim on qualifying for the All American Derby.
More: KJ Desparado wins again KJ Desparado continues winning ways at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on Twitter
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: 32 qualifying trials in store for spot in All American Futurity
