Heartswideopen wins All American Futurity

RUIDOSO, N.M. - Heartswideopen gave trainer Carl Draper his second All American Futurity win in four years with a late-charging neck victory in the Grade 1, $2 million futurity for Quarter Horses at Ruidoso Downs on Monday.

Under jockey Oscar Hernandez, Heartswideopen, the 9-10 favorite, broke outward from the outside post position in the eight-horse field and raced near the outside rail. When she drifted in approaching the grandstand, Hernandez switched sticks to his left hand and Heartswideopen got up to win in 20.997 seconds for the 440 yards.

Heartswideopen, who is owned by Manny and Javier Rodriguez, paid $3.80.

SF Royal Bank, a 20-1 outsider, held the lead until being caught by Heartswideopen. Captain Courage, a 22-1, longshot was third.

"I'm relieved," said Draper, who won the 2004 All American with DM Shicago. "I was worried when she broke out. But then I saw her kick in and I stopped worrying because I know how far she can run."

The All American Futurity was billed as a showdown between fastest-qualifier Heartswideopen and Rainbow Futurity winner Wild Six, who finished sixth while suffering her first career defeat after six wins.

SF Royal Bank was trainer Paul Jones's hope for a record third straight All American Futurity win. He won in 2005 with Teller Cartel and 2006 with No Secrets Here.

A total of $1,525,254 was wagered on the 12-race card with $583,467 bet on the All American Futurity. On-track attendance was 18,254, breaking the All American day record of 18,112 set in 2005.