Two fillies take on males in Ruidoso Futurity

Girls rule.

The fastest qualifiers from two days of trials for the $1 million Ruidoso Futurity are both fillies, and they will break side by side in Sunday’s finale for Quarter Horses. Ms Maggie Mae drew post 4 for the Ruidoso Downs race, while Mojo Perry will start from gate 5 in a field of 10.

The Ruidoso Futurity is the first leg of the annual All American Triple Crown series at Ruidoso. The horse who can win the 350-yard race, the track’s $1 million Rainbow Futurity on July 24, and the $3 million All American Futurity on Sept. 5 will earn a $4 million bonus.

The field for the Ruidoso Futurity was determined May 27-28, when 30 trials were conducted. The horses with the five fastest times from each card earned spots in the finale.

Ruidoso Futurity, Race 9

KEY CONTENDERS

Ms Maggie Mae

◗ Ms Maggie Mae won the third of 15 trials run May 28, covering 350 yards in 17.64 seconds. Ms Maggie Mae was making her career debut and romped by 2 1/4 lengths under Ricky Ramirez.

◗ Ms Maggie Mae was one of four horses qualified by Ramirez, with all trained by Blane Wood. The group includes Cash and Corona, Tough to Bee, and Jess Paint Ur Wagon. The feat pleased Wood.

“It is the team,” he said, crediting staff, Ramirez, and Wood’s son, Trey. “It also takes a lot of good owners.”

◗ Ramirez will ride Ms Maggie Mae, who races for her breeders, Randy and Sandy Coleman. The filly is by One Famous Eagle and out of Lake View Dreams, a past finalist for the Ruidoso Futurity.

Mojo Perry

◗ She won the seventh of 15 trials May 27. Mojo Perry led throughout for a 3/4-length win, covering 350 yards in 17.70 seconds. Mojo Perry was making her third career start following a trial win and a ninth-place finish in the West Texas Futurity, both at Sunland Park.

“She is learning and improving,” trainer Chris Zamora said.

◗ Mojo Perry is a daughter of Mr Jess Perry and is owned by L M G Racing Inc. She was a $30,000 yearling purchase during last year’s select sale at Ruidoso.

“We just loved the breeding,” Zamora said. “I really like Mr Jess Perry, and she is out of a First Down Dash mare.”

◗ Bonifacio Perez will be aboard Mojo Perry.