Ruidoso: Bon Accord stuns Wicked Courage in All American Derby trials
Bon Accord put up the fastest qualifying time for the Grade 1, $2.8 million All American Derby for Quarter Horses on Saturday, when he upset the win-streaking Wicked Courage in the ninth of 10 trials held at Ruidoso Downs. The finale is Sept. 1.
Wicked Courage, who also qualified to the All American Derby, was seeking his 10th straight win in a streak that included scores in the $823,000 Ruidoso Derby and $1 million Rainbow Derby. But he stumbled at the start as Bon Accord ($70.20) shot to the lead and increased his advantage at every call for a 1 1/4-length win over runner-up Wicked Courage.
Bon Accord’s time of 20.97 seconds for the 440 yards was tops among the record number of 3-year-olds attempting to qualify for what will be the richest race ever run for Quarter Horses. Wicked Courage’s time of 21.16 seconds ranked second among the top 10 qualifying times Saturday.
The other qualifiers with times were Point Break Dash (21.17); Wonderboy (21.20); The Magic Dash (21.21); Tayte Me Down (21.23); Louisiana Corona(21.25); Vancouver Moon(21.25); Elisas Secret (21.27); and Feature Hero (21.27).
Bon Accord was ridden by Rodrigo Aceves and is trained by Juan Aleman. He races for the partnership of Garvin Kelly, Nancy Yearsley, and Vinewood Farm.