Carter seeks third win in All American Futurity

Tempting Destiny and jockey G.R. Carter Jr. started the Ruidoso Downs meet on a historic note in May and will attempt to close it out the same way Monday, when the pair teams up again in the Grade 1, $2.6 million All American Futurity for Quarter Horses.

The All American, run over the classic distance of 440 yards, is the richest 2-year-old race in North America. And it can be as difficult to win as the Kentucky Derby. The field of 10 was determined after almost 280 horses ran in 28 time trials over two days last month at Ruidoso. For most, the summer meet is annually about chasing the All American.

“It’s the marquee event of our sport of Quarter Horse racing,” Carter said. “If you’re involved in Quarter Horse racing, it’s what you dream about. The same as Thoroughbred racing. You dream about winning the Kentucky Derby. Until you’ve been there, done that, you still yearn for that experience. Once you’ve won the All American, it gives you the feeling of fulfillment that you’ve done what you set out to do. Nonetheless, you still want to win it again and again.”

Carter, 46, is a two-time winner of the All American who became Quarter Horse racing’s all-time winningest jockey May 23, when he won a Ruidoso Futurity trial aboard Tempting Destiny. The horse also was one of four he qualified for this year’s All American. Carter also qualified trial winners Jm Miracle, Thunderball B, and Im a Fancy Pyc, who will be scratched Monday.

“On this kind of stage, it was pretty unbelievable to have that kind of day,” said Carter. “The only detriment to qualifying multiple horses is that you have to make a choice. You can only ride one in the finals. It’s tough. In Quarter Horse racing, the break is such an important factor in the race. You just want to get one you know is going to fire and be up front.”

All American Futurity, Race 11

KEY CONTENDERS

Tempting Destiny

◗ He was the 10th-fastest qualifier over the two dates of trials, with the five fastest from each program advancing to the finale. “He qualified into a headwind,” said Carter, aboard for trainer Michael Joiner. “I think he’s going to run really well. He’s a really good gate horse. He’s really focused.”

◗ Tempting Destiny has done well since the trials, said Carter. “I’ve been on him a few times, galloped him and stood him in the gate,” he said of activity following the horse’s three-quarter-length win Aug. 14.

◗ Tempting Destiny races for a partnership that includes Mark Allen and Leonard Blach, who won the 2008 Kentucky Derby with Mine That Bird. Tempting Destiny also races for Butch Southway and Linda Joiner.

Exquisite Stride

◗ He set the fastest qualifying time on Day 2 of the trials, while his 440-yard romp in 21.31 seconds also ranks as the fastest overall time for the All American. He won by 1 1/4 lengths to remain undefeated in two starts for D & S Racing, trainer Eddie Willis, and jockey Jimmy Brooks.

Mad About the Moon

◗ He was beaten a nose by the Grade 1-placed Bodacious Eagle in his trial Aug. 15.

◗ He was co-bred by Sarah Donaldson Rioux, 37, who also bred Too Flash for You, who was to run Sunday at Ruidoso in the Grade 1, $1.9 million All American Derby for Quarter Horses.