Ky's Quest tries to put two big races together

A little less than two months ago, Ky's Quest went to Zia Park, and despite going off at a hefty 18-1, thoroughly dominated a group of statebred 2-year-olds in the New Mexico Cup Juvenile. Saturday, Ky's Quest looks to confirm that form in the $125,000 Red Hedeman Mile Handicap at Sunland Park.

A full field of 10, plus two also-eligibles, entered the mile race for New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds.

Ky's Quest's career has been a bit of a roller-coaster ride. He has shown he's capable of big efforts, winning his maiden smartly in the slop at Ruidoso Downs on July 4. Then he ran poorly in his first try against winners. He was freshened for a couple months, and came back in the Dale Wood Handicap at Ruidoso on Sept. 4. After dueling early, Ky's Quest drew off to win by six lengths on a sloppy track.

Again, however, he couldn't back it up as he went to Zia Park for an Oct. 15 allowance race and was a non-threatening third. So, it was no surprise Ky's Quest was let go at hefty odds in the Nov. 12 New Mexico Cup Juvenile. On dry land this time, Ky's Quest jumped right into a duel and drew off to win with complete authority by 9o1/2 lengths.

Owned and trained by Clifford Lambert, Ky's Quest seems to be at his best when able to clear early, and with the rail draw and coming out of sprints, he may well get such a trip here.

Colorofrun may be the primary threat. He romped twice at Albuquerque in September against similar company, including a 5 1/4-length win in the George Maloof Futurity. In the New Mexico Cup Juvenile, Colorofrun chased Ky's Quest and finished third.

New shooter Gone Guy is a potential threat to the top two. He is unbeaten in two career starts, including a big win locally at this mile distance on Dec. 16.