Empressum's unbeaten streak at 4 after Ruidoso Downs victory

RUIDOSO DOWNS, N.M. - Empressum was a little slower in Saturday’s $673,731 Ruidoso Derby than he was in the time trials on May 30. But then breaking his own track record would have been a lot to ask.

Empressum extended his 2021 unbeaten streak to four races with a win in the Ruidoso Derby, the first of three major derbys at the New Mexico track this spring and summer.

Trained by Heath Taylor, Empressum set the 400-yard track record at Ruidoso Downs with a time of 19.14 seconds in a division of the time trials. On Saturday, Empressum ($4) overcame a less-than-ideal start to win by a length over 25-1 Valiant Stars in 19.33 seconds.

Jettz, fourth in the $3 million All American Futurity last September, finished third at 6-1. For the Irony, the 2-1 second choice, broke poorly and was never a factor, finishing last of 10.

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Ridden by Rodrigo Vallejo, Empressum was third after the first 100 yards, but closed impressively through the final 200 yards to gain a clear advantage.

The win was worth $282,547 for owners Jeff Jones of Pembroke, N.C., and Steve Holt of Guthrie, Okla. Earlier this year, Empressum won the $355,800 Remington Park Oklahoma-Bred Derby at 400 yards on April 17. Empressum was supplemented to the Ruidoso Derby for $30,000 before the time trials.

In his career, Empressum, a gelding by Apollitical Jess, has won 8 of 11 starts and has earned $500,825.

Taylor, who recently suffered a broken right hand in a stable accident, said in the winner’s circle that Empressum will be considered for the Rainbow Derby, which has trials on July 11 and a final on July 24.

If Empressum has not recovered in the next month, the gelding is not likely to race again until the time trials for the All American Derby on Aug. 22. The final of that prestigious race is Sept. 5.