Apocalyptical Jess narrowly captures All American Futurity

Apocalyptical Jess put himself and his connections in the record books Monday at Ruidoso Downs, where he darted to a three-quarter-length win over Im Jess Special V in the Grade 1, $3 million All American Futurity.

The race, which was run over the classic distance of 440 yards, is the richest offering for Quarter Horses.

Blane Wood trains Apocalyptical Jess ($7.20) and with the win he joined his father, Leo Wood, as the only father-son trainers to have won the All American, according to an announcement following the race. Leo Wood won the 1979 running with Pie In the Sky.

“It’s more than I hoped for,” Blane Wood told publicity at Ruidoso. "We’ve been trying to do this for a long time. It’s the whole team.”

Apocalyptical Jess was the fastest qualifier on Day 1 of trials for the All American. In the finale, he broke on top from post 2 and led at each point of call while covering the distance on a fast track in 21.39 seconds. Raul Ramirez Jr. was aboard for owner Bill T. Robbins.

Following the race, the trainer of Im Jess Special V lodged an objection against Apocalyptical Jess, but the foul claim was disallowed and the order of finish stood. No Mires a La Luna ran third, a nose behind Im Jess Special V.

Tools in the Sky was fourth, followed by favorite Mm Fourinthemorning, Pilot Pionts Moon, Badhabit Jess, Lynnder 16, and Moonflash Numbers. Wokatee On Fire was scratched from the All American.

Wood also trains Mm Fourinthemorning, winner of the Grade 1 Rainbow at Ruidoso, and Badhabit Jess.

Apocalyptical Jess earned $1,260,000 for his win Monday. It was his second career victory after he won his maiden in his trial, leading throughout for a 3 1/4-length win Aug. 17 at Ruidoso. Apocalyptical Jess is a son of Apollitical Jess.

On the undercard, Danjer ($9.20) dominated the $200,000 All American Juvenile, when he led throughout for a 2 1/2-length win over Midnite Blu. He covered 440 yards on a fast track in 21.15 seconds. Cody Jensen was aboard for owner-trainer Dean Frey.

In other stakes, Sunscreen handed Hustle Up his first defeat in six starts in the $110,094 Rio Grande Senor Thoroughbred Futurity. Sunscreen won by three-quarters of a length, while Hustle Up finished fourth. The winner covered 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03.97. Sunscreen is by Southwestern Heat.

In race 7, K P Wildcat ($3.60) defeated males in the $30,000 Billy the Kid Handicap, when she drove to a 2 1/2-length win over Suddenbreakingnews. K P Wildcat is a daughter of Include.