First Klas Fred upsets Ruidoso Futurity

First Klas Fred held off a fast-closing Shake Em Money Pop to win the Grade 1, $500,000 Ruidoso Quarter Horse Futurity by a half-length on Sunday. The race was the first of three major 2-year-old stakes to be run this meet at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico. The annual series culminates with the $2 million All-American Futurity.

First Klas Fred ($28.40) covered 350 yards on a fast track in 17.88 seconds. Esgar Ramirez was aboard the winner for Denis and Julie Schoenhofer and trainer Michael Joiner.

Gbh Steppin Johnny, the even-money favorite, finished eighth after he hopped out of the gate then veered out. First Klas Fred earned $250,000 for his win Sunday.