21-1 longshot Mr. Piloto prevails in three-horse photo to take All American Futurity

It was an unconventional trip, but it all worked out in the end.

Mr Piloto raced along the outside rail to win the Grade 1, $1.9 million All American Futurity for Quarter Horses in a three-way photo on Monday, edging favorite and fastest qualifier Jls Mr Bigtime by a nose. It was another nose back in third to Dominyun.

The All American is the world’s most famous race for Quarter Horses, and it helped Ruidoso Downs close out the meet with an ontrack crowd of 21,402.

Mr Piloto ($44.60) broke out from post 9 in a field reduced to nine head after the scratch of Episode of Fire. He soon made his way towards the outside fence and raced near it while picking up steam late to catch Jls Mr Bigtime on the wire. Mr Piloto covered 440 yards in 21.55 seconds. Felipe Quintero trains the winner for Tremor Enterprises LLC.

Esgar Ramirez, who won the All American Derby in 2006, was aboard Mr Piloto. The horse had won his maiden in the trials for the All American Futurity on Aug. 19 and set the 10th fastest qualifying time for the finale when he won in 21.47 seconds.

Mr. Piloto was part of the field for the inaugural All American future wager that returned $11 on a $2 bet. The All American double that linked the All American Derby on Sunday with the All American Futurity, paid $202.20. The winning combo was 7-9, with Double Down Special taking the All American Derby.