Mr Innovator, a 2-year-old New Mexico-bred Quarter Horse, broke first and drew clear of competitors to win his Mountain Top Futurity trial Friday afternoon at Ruidoso Downs Race Track by a length-and-a-quarter and was clocked with the fastest time of the day of:17.859 for 350-yards.

Trained by James Gonzales II,  Mr Innovator was favored by bettors and returned $2.60, $2.20, and $2.10 in the second race of the day. The grey gelding by Big Daddy Cartel out of Total Miracle by Dean Miracle is owned by Cody Cobb. He was bred by Mikkelson Racing, LLC.

“When he left the way he did, I knew that we were going to stay in front,” said jockey Mario Delgado in the winner’s circle. “I have a little experience with this horse, and I know he’s talented. He just needed a little help to stay focused, and he ran to form.”

Mr Innovator is expected to return for the finals of the $280,371 Mountain Top Futurity on Sunday, June 20. It will be his third career start following the win today. The gelding also won a 300-yard maiden race this spring at Remington Park impressively by a length-and-a-half.

“He’s special to us already,” said trainer James Gonzales II. “We knew he was a standout from the time we started training him.”

The full field of qualifiers for the finals of the Mountain Top QH Futurity include: Mr Innovator (:17.859), Jess Ring the Bell (:17.893), Renika (:17.909), Azara (:17.950), Tosma (:18.000), Chicksbabycartel (:18.015), Run Time (18.030), Lil Rev (:18.035), Borderan (:18.056), and Wine Don’t Lie (:18.072). Click here to see a complete list of all times.

Racing continues on Saturday with the Mountain Top Derby trials for 3-year-old Quarter Horses, and 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.