Heartswideopen passes up bonus

In a surprising development that means the $4 million All American Triple Crown bonus will not be paid this year, trainer Carl Draper announced that Heartswideopen, winner of the Grade 1, $500,000 Ruidoso Futurity, will not enter Friday's trials to the Grade 1, $625,000 Rainbow Futurity.

The $4 million All American Triple Crown bonus is awarded to the connections of any horse who can sweep the Ruidoso, Rainbow, and All American futurities at Ruidoso Downs.

Heartswideopen will point to the trials of the Grade 1, $2 million All American Futurity on Aug. 16, and then point to the trials of the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Two Million on Nov. 23.

"It was my call to preserve a fast filly," Draper said Saturday morning. "I think I can freshen her up and be ready for the All American, and then freshen her again and be ready for the Two Million."

He said the fact that Heartswideopen is a filly, and not a big, strong colt, was a primary factor in his decision.

"She's run five hard races," said Draper.