Beware of the skunk tail in the Grade 1, $3 million All American Futurity on Monday at Ruidoso Downs. Dark Nme and her colorful fly swatter bring a 6-for-6 record into the Quarter Horse classic that closes the meet in New Mexico. The All American, which will be run over 440 yards, is being showcased on a 12-race card that includes six stakes. The champion Kj Desperado, who won the All American Futurity in 2021, leads the field for the Grade 1, $250,000 All American Gold Cup. Dark Nme has won her six career starts by a combined margin of 15 lengths. Her wins include the Grade 1, $1 million Rainbow Futurity at Ruidoso in track-record time. She covered 400 yards in 19.02 seconds and backed up the performance by setting the fastest qualifying time during Day 1 of trials for the All American Futurity. Dark Nme zipped 440 yards on a good track in 21.10. “It’s been quite an experience – I don’t think we’ve slept the last two months,” said Willie Garcia, who races Dark Nme with his wife, Nancy Miriam Escamilla, whose initials inspired the horse’s name. Dark Nme is an Oklahoma-bred daughter of Hes Relentless. :: Bet the races with a $250 First Deposit Match + $10 Free Bet and FREE Formulator PPs! Join DRF Bets. “She’s not a real big horse – she’s just got a huge heart,” Garcia said. “She gets in that gate and takes off and doesn’t make mistakes. She just loves to run. She doesn’t hit the dirt very hard. She’s flying.” And so is her tail. Dark Nme is a bay filly whose black tail merges to white approaching her hocks. It becomes a flowing white banner as it cuts through the lane – a rare coloring that along with her record has made her a fan favorite. “God gave her a pretty tail,” Garcia said. “She’s got an incredible following. We started posting about her on Facebook, and it’s drawn quite a few messages from people. Some are flying in to see her from Argentina, Brazil, Portugal.” The Garcias also had a recent contest and awarded four people travel, lodging, and tickets to the All American. The winners are from both the United States and Mexico. “It’s been a real experience and we’re humbled by it,” Garcia said. “We have never had a horse like this.” Francisco Calderon has the mount from post 2 for trainer Santos Carrizales Jr. The chief rivals appear to be Devastating and Aj Precious Jewel, who were a respective second and third in the trial won by Dark Nme, and Trane Station V, who was second in the Rainbow Futurity. Ruidoso will run two consolations, led by the $200,000 All American Juvenile. There also are a pair of Thoroughbred stakes on the card, and they’ve lured such notables as Sheriff Brown, Bella Donna, and Corrina Corrina. First post is noon Mountain. :: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.