Ruidoso Futurity: One Quick Eagle fastest qualifier for $750,000 finals

One Quick Eagle can lay claim to being the fastest 2-year-old Quarter Horse stabled at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico – at least until the Grade 1, $750,000 Ruidoso Downs Futurity is run on Sunday. She emerged as the fastest qualifier for the 350-yard race following a slate of 25 trials last month, and for the finale figures to be a slight favorite as she attempts to run her record to 2 for 2.

The Ruidoso Futurity is the first leg of a Grade 1 series for 2-year-olds at Ruidosos Downs that continues with the $1 million Rainbow Futurity in July and the $2.6 million All American Futurity in September.

One Quick Eagle won the ninth trial race on May 24, when she dueled for a half-length win over Strategic Weapon, who also returns in the finale. One Quick Eagle covered the 350-yard trip in 17.25 seconds, leading throughout from her rail post in what was a promising start to her career.

“I knew she could really run, and we caught a tail wind in the trial,” said jockey Esgar Ramirez, who was aboard One Quick Eagle and has the mount again Sunday.

Victor Flores-Rodriguez trains One Quick Eagle, a daughter of the Grade 1-winning mare Quick Moon Sign, for Crowson Racing.

Strategic Weapon’s trial time of 17.32 seconds ranks as second-fastest for the Ruidoso Futurity. He was favored that afternoon over One Quick Eagle.

“He got away a little rough, but I think the other horse just outran us,” said trainer Blane Wood.

Strategic Weapon is a half-brother to One Famous Eagle, a champion who is the sire of fastest-qualifier One Quick Eagle.

Ricky Ramirez has the mount on Strategic Weapon for owner-breeder Johnny Trotter.

Others set to start include You N How Many More, who romped by 1 3/4 lengths when winning his trial in his career debut. He covered the 350 yard distance in 17.34 seconds. Jaime Parga-Leos has the mount for trainer Juan M. Gonzalez.

The Ruidoso Futurity has a record purse this year, up from the 2012 standard of $600,000.