Bigg Dee, a three-year-old New Mexico-bred Quarter Horse, overcame an awkward beginning and powered down the race track to win his trial race and earn the fastest time of the day during trials for the Mountain Top Derby at Ruidoso Downs Race Track. On a fast track with a slight 6 MPH headwind, Bigg Dee made the 350-yard trip in :17.551.

The black gelding by Big Daddy Cartel out of Miss Woody Dee by Woodbridge, is owned by Rex Wells and trained by James Gonzales. He was bred by MJ Farms and was ridden today by Mario Delgado. The race time betting favorite, Bigg Dee paid $4.60, $2.80 and $2.20 in the second trial heat of the day.

“He’s such a big one that it took a moment for him to gather himself when the gates opened,” said jockey Mario Delgado. “Once he started rolling and found his rhythm, I could tell it was going to be a fast time.”

Delgado and Gonzales also teamed up to qualify the fastest horse in the Mountain Top Futurity on Friday, Mr Innovator.

“Bigg Dee had a very nice two-year-old campaign, so we’ve given him plenty of time to rest and prepare for this summer,” said trainer Gonzales. “We’ll run him back in the final, and then look for other opportunities. We think 440-yards is his best distance.”

The full field of qualifiers for the $90,635 Mountain Top Derby which will be run on June 19 are as follows: Big Dee (:17.551), Fanncee (:17.610), Leading Cartel (:17.667), Chicky Chicky Kai (:17.671), Icy Morning Breeze (:17.702), Midnight Train Mo (:17.767), Winner Takes It All (:17.803), Jessies Allstar (:17.812), Fly On Down (:17.828) and Mr Money Bags (:17.845).

Click here for a complete list of trials times.

Sunday’s card features trials for the Ruidoso Maiden Stakes. Racing continues at Ruidoso Downs every weekend on Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day Weekend.

For more information about the upcoming 2021 racing schedule or to reserve your tickets and plan your visit, go to RaceRuidoso.com.