Hock You Takes Top Qualifying Spot for the Ruidoso Maiden Stakes

Photo of Hock You by Jake Rogers, courtesy of Ruidoso Downs

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM – MAY 30, 2020 – Hock You recorded the fastest qualifying time of:17.753 during the Ruidoso Maiden Stakes Trials on Saturday afternoon at Ruidoso Downs. The top ten qualifiers for 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds will compete in the finals at 350 yards on June 14th for a $90,000 purse.

The 3-year-old gelding by Kiss My Hocks and out of Echoes of Love by One Famous Eagle, Hock You won the first trial of the day over a fast track under jockey Emilio Tapia. But it was trainer Wes Giles who took home the most trial wins Saturday afternoon, winning three of the five trial heat races with Colonel Chamberlain, A Valiant Zoomer, and Jess Cuz Pyc Can.

“You would have to feel good about today,” said Wes Giles. “Jess Cuz Pyc Can is a big colt who sort of got on top of the surface and really showed what he can do. It seems like he’s a 400 or 440 colt but looked pretty strong at 350 yards. My filly (A Valiant Zoomer) is at the right distance—she’ll probably excel at 350 yards. Having three winners in five races makes you feel confident that you’ll be competitive in the final.” 

The Ruidoso Maiden Stakes qualifiers and times–Hock You (:17.753), Jess Cuz Pyc Can (:17.864), A Valiant Zoomer (:17.889), Colonel Chamberlain (:17.918), Pyc Lovestruck (:17.944), Jess Find Me (:17.950), Wow What a Dynasty (:17.968), Grand Ambitions (:17.971), Javys Brown Sugar (:18.016) and Bigg Jack (:18.026). Full list of time trials.

The afternoon of racing closed out with six Thoroughbred claiming and maiden races. The highlight was in the eighth race with a four-way photo finish. Minnie Me Ha, a three-year-old filly, squeaked out the win in the 5 ½ Furlongs over Samoken Up a Storm in a dead heat with Sayward.

Live racing at Ruidoso Downs continues on Sunday with the featured race of the day being the second running of the Dash For Speed Stakes for fillies and mares that are 3-years-old and up. Post time for the race is set for 4:55 PM. The remainder of the program features a great mix of Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing. Post time of 1:00 PM MDT. For more information on how to watch and wager.