Rustys Miracle pulls upset in All American Derby

It seems Rustys Miracle was meant to run in the $1,550,855 All American Derby at Ruidoso Downs on Sunday.

Rustys Miracle shared the 10th-fastest qualifying time with Midday News from the Aug. 18 trials, but lost a random shake the next day for the 10th and final berth in the race. A few days later, another qualifier – Ryansmanonthemoon – was disqualified from the final for an out-of-competition medication violation.

Rustys Miracle gained a berth in the final and ran the best race of her career to score a 16-1 upset.

Ridden by Noe Garcia, Rustys Miracle ($35.80) broke well from post 2 and had a clear journey through the 440 yards to win by a neck over 13-1 Jess Macho Corona, who broke from the outside. Valiant Tiberias, a two-time stakes winner at Ruidoso Downs this summer, finished third, a nose behind Jess Macho Corona.

Valiant Tiberias (7-2) was disqualified and placed eighth for drifting out in the stretch.

Because of the disqualification, Flying Cowboy 123, the 2-year-old champion colt of 2018, was promoted from fourth to third. Flash and Roll, the champion 2-year-old and champion 2-year-old filly of 2018, was the 7-2 favorite. She was bumped by Valiant Tiberias and could not overcome the trouble.

Rustys Miracle was timed in 21.285 seconds. The win was worth $651,359 for owner Sue May of Fort Stockton, Texas. Rustys Miracle, a filly by Valiant Hero, has won 9 of 16 starts and earned $762,565.

Earlier on the program, the 3-year-old CDS Wine N Dine won his debut against older horses in the $200,000 All American Gold Cup at 440 yards. CS Wine N Dine won a division of the All American Derby trials on Aug. 18 but did not run quick enough to qualify for the final.

CDS Wine N Dine ($17.80) ran 440 yards in 21.42 seconds in the Gold Cup, winning by a half-length over 9-1 Tough to Bee. Hes Limitless (18-1) was third, beaten three-quarters of a length, while 3-1 favorite Mi Amor Secreto finished fifth after sustaining a bump at the start.

CDS Wine N Dine, a colt by FDD Dynasty, races for German Amaya and trainer Salvador Soto. Raul Herrera, rode CDS Wine N Dine who has won 5 of 11 starts and earned $257,257. He was second in the $210,900 West Texas Derby at Sunland Park in April, a race in which Rustys Miracle finished last of 10 after a poor start.