Cowboys Gun Z leads all the way in All American Futurity

Cowboys Gun Z handed 1-9 favorite Dark Nme the first defeat of her career Monday, when he shuttled to a half-length win over Trane Station V in the Grade 1, $3 million All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs. It was another neck back in third to Dark Nme, who brought a 6-for-6 record into the Quarter Horse classic that closed the meet in New Mexico.

Cowboys Gun Z ($33) was always prominent and covered 440 yards on a track rated fast in 21.57 seconds. He came into the race as the fastest qualifier from Day 2 of trials for the All American.

Agustin Silva was aboard Cowboys Gun Z on Monday for trainer Michael Joiner. The Oklahoma-bred by Flying Cowboy 123 is owned by West Texas Racing Partners. Cowboys Gun Z was bred by Running C Ranch.

Dark Nme moved into the rail post following the scratch of Sandstone Mountain. Dark Nme, who earlier in the meet set a track record winning the Rainbow Futurity, broke in, straightened up, and made up ground through the stretch in her first defeat since a debut win in April at Remington Park.

Cowboys Gun Z earned $1.5 million on Monday for what was his second career win following his trial for the All American. In his other starts, he had run second in a pair of trial races at Ruidoso.

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The All American was supported by five other stakes, including the Grade 1, $250,000 All American Gold Cup won by Kj Desperado ($4.20). He finished a neck in front of Flash Bak. It was announced after the race that the trainer of fourth-place finisher Lethal Avenger had claimed foul against the winner, but the stewards made no change to the order of finish. Kj Desperado covered the distance in 21.50. Adrian Ramos was aboard for trainer Wes Giles.

There were two consolations for the All American, with Visa ($11.20) a 1 3/4-length winner of the $200,000 All American Juvenile and Walk It Back ($14.60) a neck winner of the $75,000 All American Overflow.

The winners of the Thoroughbred stakes on the card were Corrina Corrina ($2.60) and Sheriff Brown ($4.20).

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