Fine Oak Corona has solid credentials in Ruidoso Futurity

It is an accomplishment just to have qualified for the Grade 1, $750,000 Ruidoso Quarter Horse Futurity on Sunday. The field of 10 was determined after 32 trial races were conducted over two programs in May. Of the record 311 horses entered in the trials, Fine Oak Corona and Memphis D Nasty emerged as the fastest qualifiers and figure to start as the top choices in the finale Sunday.

The Ruidoso Futurity, at 350 yards, is the first race in the New Mexico track’s stakes series for 2-year-olds. The division’s stakes program continues with the $1 million Rainbow Futurity and the $3 million All American Futurity. The horse who can sweep all three races will earn a $4 million bonus.

The only runners eligible for the bonus at this point are those who turned in the five fastest times on each day of trials for the Ruidoso Futurity.

KEY CONTENDERS

Fine Oak Corona

◗ He won his 350-yard trial in 17.64 seconds on the first program of qualifying races May 22. Fine Oak Corona dominated by 1 1/4 lengths, his second career win, following a debut score during a trial race March 20 at Sunland Park.

◗ Fine Oak Corona is one of just two horses in Sunday’s field with stakes experience. He was fourth in the Grade 2 West Texas Futurity on April 12 at Sunland.

◗ Paul Jones trains Fine Oak Corona for Jose Sanchez. Salvador Martinez has the mount from post 2.

Memphis D Nasty

◗ She won her 350-yard trial in 17.73 seconds on the second program of qualifying races May 23. Memphis D Nasty was making her career debut and powered to a 3 1/2-length win.

◗ Memphis D Nasty broke from the No. 9 hole in her trial and again drew that post for the finale. Jose Ortiz was aboard for her qualifier and has the mount back Sunday.

◗ Mario Sanchez trains Memphis D Nasty for Evaristo Sanchez.

Kobys Wagon

◗ He was a 1 1/4-length winner of his trial May 23, covering 350 yards in 17.84 seconds.

◗ Jockey G.R. Carter, who qualified four horses for the Ruidoso Futurity, will again team with Kobys Wagon.

Giving It All

◗ He was a 3 1/2-length winner of his trial May 22, covering 350 yards in 17.68 seconds.

◗ He is the only horse besides Fine Oak Corona with both multiple wins and stakes experience. Giving It All won his debut March 7 at Remington and was ninth in a stakes at the Oklahoma City track March 21.