All American Futurity and All American Derby Set for This Weekend
Quarter Horse fans are in for a glorious Labor Day weekend as the 2016 Ruidoso Downs live racing season concludes with two very rich stakes. The $2.4 million All American Derby (G1) is set for Sunday, September 4 and the $3 million All American Futurity (G1) closes out the meet on Monday, September 5.
The first running of the All American Futurity in 1959 was originally run at 400 yards. Beginning in 1973, the distance was changed to 440 yards, which is a quarter of a mile. It is Quarter Horse's equivalent to the Kentucky Derby, held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs. Ruidoso Downs in Ruidoso, New Mexico, has crowned its share of racing champions. The Kentucky Derby is often referred to as the "most exciting two minutes in sports"; Quarter Horses will run their final in 21 seconds or less!
The first running of the All American Futurity in 1959 was originally run at 400 yards. Beginning in 1973, the distance was changed to 440 yards, which is a quarter of a mile. It is Quarter Horse's equivalent to the Kentucky Derby, held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs. Ruidoso Downs in Ruidoso, New Mexico, has crowned its share of racing champions. The Kentucky Derby is often referred to as the "most exciting two minutes in sports"; Quarter Horses will run their final in 21 seconds or less!
Apolltical Chad, shown winning the Ruidoso Futurity, is the favorite for Monday's All American Futurity
The draw for the 2016 All American Futurity took place on Thursday with Apolltical Chad, the Ruidoso Futurity winner set as the 5-2 favorite. Coronas First Diva and Imperial Eagle will also take their share of action in the betting windows. However, it has been five years since a favorite won the premier race. Last year's champion, Jess Good Candy, upset the race favorite One Fabulous Eagle and rewarded his backers with a nice mutuel of $23.20; 2014 winner JM Miracle returned $16.80; Handsome Jack Flash won in 2013 and paid $18.80; 2011 winner Ochoa paid $5.20 and in 2010, Mr Piloto pulled the stunner and rewarded his backers with a win ticket valued at $46.60.
On Sunday afternoon, a field of three-year-olds will vie for a record purse of $2.4 million in the Grade 1, All American Derby. One Fabulous Eagle has been installed at the 5-2 morning line choice. Trainer Judd Kearl qualified four runners for the final, including fastest qualifier Volcom Bay. The winner will earn a berth to the Grade 1 Champion of Champions at Los Alamitos in December.
There will be a special post time of noon (MT) for Sunday and Monday's racing cards. Regional television coverage will be available; the races will be streamed live on at Q-RacingVideo.com.
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