Runnning Brook Gal makes 3-year-old debut

RUIDOSO, N.M. - Runnning Brook Gal, the champion 2-year-old Quarter Horse of 2009, will make her first start of the year Friday at Ruidoso Downs. She goes in the third race, a $25,000 optional claiming race for fillies and mares that will be run over 350 yards. Runnning Brook Gal won the All American Futurity last year at Ruidoso.

The race Friday will be Runnning Brook Gal's first start since Nov. 29, when she won the Grade 1 Southwest Juvenile Championship at Zia Park. She was freshened after that race, and has been working at Ruidoso.

"She's doing good," said Paul Jones, who trains Runnning Brook Gal for A & C Racing and Roping.

Jones said the stakes goals for Runnning Brook Gal this year include the Grade 1, $1.5 million All American Derby at Ruidoso on Sept. 5, and the Grade $1, $1 million Los Alamitos Super Derby on Nov. 6. Trials for the All American Derby are Aug. 20.

Runnning Brook Gal has registered four of her six wins at Ruidoso. Ramon Sanchez has the mount Friday.

* Love Samba, who finished fifth as the favorite in last year's All American Futurity, was the fastest qualifier for the Grade 1, $873,441 Rainbow Derby during last week's trials at Ruidoso. The finale is July 24. Love Samba won her 440-yard trial in 20.99 seconds.