RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM – JULY 5, 2020 – The field is now set for the Rainbow Derby finals, and it came down to the final trial heat to get the fastest qualifier of the day. The filly Hotsempting showed the boys on the track how to get it done when she charged down the middle of the track and ran a lightning-fast time of:21.281 in an impressive performance.

After winning the Ruidoso Derby in a dominating fashion in early June, trainer Sergio Ibarra made the decision to run her in the open class instead of in the newly formed Oaks division for the fillies. Her performance in the trials today at 440 yards proved not only can she run with the boys she can outrun them.

“I had butterflies just before the race. You know, a filly going against the boys,” said Ibarra. “But it proved to be the right decision. The wind helped us in the last race, so we’re fortunate to win and qualify. She’s phenomenal, and Esgar did a nice job keeping her straight.”

Hotsempting, a Texas-bred by Tempting Dash out of Pandorum by Tres Seis, is owned by Miguel Gallegos and Mauricio Gallegos. Jockey Esgar Ramirez was aboard today and guided the filly down the track.

“She was stronger today than usual,” said jockey Ramirez. “I tapped her just a little early because she didn’t break has well as, she normally does. But once she got clear, she was rolling, and I just hung on.”

The rest of the field of qualifiers includes Cers Final Try (:21.291), Jess Sumokin Hot (:21.333), Kj Mucho Macho Man (:21.344), Gold Heart Eagle (:21.457), Apollitical Papa (:21.513), Dynast C (:21.521), Apollitical J Wild (:21.533), Perrys Double Down (:21.539), and Hes Back (:21.541). The finals for the Grade I Rainbow Derby which includes a purse of $710,000 will be run on Saturday, July 18th.

The field for Rainbow Invitational Stakes, the consolation for the Rainbow Derby, includes Love is Everything V (:21.543), Oatman Creek Senator (:21.584), Kleptomaniac (:21.587), Lucas Stone (:21.588), Determined One (:21.593), Jess Different (:21.606), A Sweet Jess (:21.623), Jess Cuz Pyc Can (:21.637), Bar Hopping (:21.652) and Battle Weary (:21.662). Finals for the $100,000 Rainbow Invitational Stakes will also run on Saturday, July 18th.

For a complete results of today’s time trials click here.

Racing resumes next Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Ruidoso Downs Race Track with trials for the Zia Quarter Horse Futurity and Derby for New Mexico-bred horses. Friday’s card features 11 futurity trials and Saturday’s card features five Derby trials along with other great maiden, claiming and allowance races.

The Turf Club is currently open to 50% capacity to horse owners and season ticket holders. Any tables that are not reserved by horse owners and season ticket holders will be put on sale to the public at 12:00 Noon on Wednesdays for $50 for a 4-person table at RaceRuidoso.com until they are sold-out.

Visit RaceRuidoso.com to find out how to watch and wager along with information on drive-thru wagering that is being offered at the Ruidoso Sale Barn.