Hezgothelook Z brings gate speed to Rainbow Futurity

The volatile weather pattern that’s ripped through the Ruidoso Downs area the past month was a sobering reminder life is bigger than racing, and Toby Keeton, trainer of favorite Hezgothelook Z in Sunday’s Grade 1, $1 million Rainbow Futurity, experienced firsthand the community pulling together during the wildfires and floods that have disrupted the meet in New Mexico.

“It’s been unbelievable,” he said. “People that really didn’t have anything to give, they gave. The mayor is doing anything and everything he can do. Everyone in this town is coming together.”

Keeton said that during the evacuation period caused by the fires folks generously gave him high-quality alfalfa for his horses and food and water for his staff. He’s also marveled at the perseverance of Ruidoso Downs, which has dealt with two floods that have impacted the track. Racing was to have resumed Friday.

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“The water was scary,” Keeton said. “These people on this racetrack have done an unreal job. Most places, they would have just shut down. They keep fixing that racetrack. It’s safe. You’ve got to tip your hat to them.”

Hezgothelook Z is the lone 2-year-old in position to sweep the annual Triple Crown series of rich races for Quarter Horses at Ruidoso that culminates with the All American Futurity.

He won the Grade 1 Ruidoso Futurity in June, and came back and dominated in his trial for the second leg, the Rainbow. It will be run over 400 yards on Sunday, with a field of 10. Hezgothelook Z led throughout in the Ruidoso Futurity.

“He just leaves wide open,” Keeton said. “First jump, he’s wide open. He just opens up so much on those horses, they can’t catch him.”

The story was much the same in the Rainbow trials, when he broke on top and never looked back for a 3 1/4-length win under regular rider Bryan Candanosa.

“That colt is pro,” Keeton said. “He’s like a little old pony in the barn. He doesn’t get excited. Nothing bothers him.”

Hezgothelook Z will break from the rail for Triple One Ranch.

Keeton also starts Aguila Rapida, who was second in the Ruidoso Futurity.

“That horse is really athletic, does pretty much everything right,” he said. “He needs a little more country – he’s going to be perfect going a quarter of a mile.”

Ricky Ramirez has the mount for Simmons Racing.

Fdd Dreams enters off a pair of trial wins, with his Rainbow trial score coming by more than three lengths. Luis Martinez has the mount from post 6 for trainer Xavier Rodriguez.

The 12-race card Sunday includes the consolation for the Rainbow. The Rainbow goes as the 11th race, with a scheduled post of 5:12 p.m. Mountain.

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