Tres Friends tops cast for Texas Classic Futurity
Tres Friends and Apollitical Blood accounted for two of the most prestigious races run this summer at Ruidoso Downs. On Saturday night, the pair will attempt to take down two of the richest offerings of the meet at Lone Star Park.
Tres Friends could go favored in the Grade 1, $1,151,780 Texas Classic Futurity by virtue of his win in the Rainbow Futurity at Ruidoso, while Apollitical Blood will start as a strong favorite in the Grade 1, $415,690 Texas Classic Derby at 440 yards following his September win in the All American Derby.
The Texas Classic Futurity and Derby close out the Quarter Horse meet at Lone Star.
Texas Classic Futurity, Race 9
Key Contenders
Tres Friends
◗ He reached a career pinnacle with his neck win over First Valiant Sign in the Rainbow Futurity on July 19 at Ruidoso.
◗ Tres Friends has made one start since and finished fourth, beaten three-quarters of a length, in the fastest trial for the Texas Classic on Oct. 24. The winner, Ec Jet One, covered 400 yards on a good track in 19.47 seconds, while Tres Friends went the distance in 19.56.
◗ Ricky Ramirez has the mount on Tres Friends, who will break from post 2. Trey Wood, a multiple title winner at Lone Star, trains Tres Friends.
Ferarri Gt
◗ This January foal was beaten a nose in the Dash For Cash Futurity on Oct. 10 at Lone Star and then came back to win his Texas Classic trial by a length in 19.56.
◗ Paul Jones trains Ferarri Gt, who will break from post 6.
Ec Jet One
◗ He set the fastest qualifying time for the Texas Classic for trainer Judd Kearl.
◗ Earlier this year, Ec Jet One finished third in the Grade 2 Sam Houston Futurity.
Texas Classic Derby, Race 8
KEY CONTENDERS
Apollitical Blood
◗ He will be seeking his fourth straight win. His streak started in a trial at Ruidoso and was followed by 1 3/4-length win in the All American Derby and then a 3 3/4-length trial win for the Texas Classic.
◗ Juan Aleman trains Apollitical Blood, who will break from post 7.
■ The Texas Classic Futurity is the richest race in Texas, and for the event, the American Quarter Horse Association is sending fan-education representative Martha Claussen to Lone Star.