Chainman has clear path in Hobbs America Futurity

Chainman had a big obstacle removed from his path for the Grade 2, $268,447 Hobbs America Quarter Horse Futurity when Imperial Eagle failed to qualify for Sunday’s finale at Zia Park.

Imperial Eagle, the winner of the $3 million All American Futurity, was making his first start since that prestigious victory during the Sept. 24 trials for the Hobbs. He had a difficult trip in the race and failed to qualify for Sunday.

Chainman, meanwhile, ended up as the fastest qualifier for the Hobbs, which will be run over 400 yards. He is part of a 10-horse field that includes Mojo Perry, who earlier this year qualified for the Grade 1 Ruidoso Futurity and finished seventh in the finale June 12.

Hobbs America Futurity (Race 10)

KEY CONTENDERS

Chainman, by Separatist

◗ Chainman won the first trial for the Hobbs, covering the distance in 19.79 seconds. He defeated Lethal Flight by a half-length, and her time of 19.87 seconds is the second-best time for the Hobbs.

◗ Chainman will be looking for his third straight win Sunday and his first in a stakes. His streak began Sept. 11, when he won a conditioned allowance at Zia. Chainman will break from post 8 with Bonifacio Quiroz aboard for trainer Harvey Baeza.

◗ Baeza is winning at a 31 percent clip at this meet.

Mojo Perry, by Mr Jess Perry

◗ Mojo Perry was active in the rich 2-year-old series at Ruidoso. In addition to a trial win for the Ruidoso Futurity, she was fourth in a trial for the Grade 1 Rainbow. The winner of Mojo Perry’s qualifying heat was A Revenant, who would go on to win the Rainbow.