The Inside Track by Tim Keithley: Five Horses to Watch in Friday's Zia Futurity
Race 1: Sweet Zulu (#10) gets a second chance for trainer Clint Crawford and jockey Francisco Calderon. The filly gave a nice effort in her debut in the Mountain Top trials and figures to be on the improve. Like the outside post to stay trouble-free at odds of 3-1.
Race 5: Fly on Down (#10) goes for trainer Tony Sedillo who is a NM-bred specialist. The colt has shown the ability to run big late and gets the added distance today of 400-yards with jockey Mario Delgado. Just missed in consolation last time—but the distance should make the difference here at odds of 7/2.
Race 7: Eagles and Dreams (#2) paid the $15k supplement to start today for trainer Juan Carlos Gonzales and jockey Jaime Leos. This gelding won his 350-yard Mountain Top trial by two-and-a-half lengths—thus the idea to buy a gate for the Zia. Here’s the morning line favorite off that big trial race victory at 5/2 odds.
Race 9: Heza Classy Now (10) was a Mountain Top finalist after an impressive score in the colt’s trial race for trainer Harvey Baeza and jockey Paul Nieto. Clearly this youngster has speed and talent; like the outside post to stay trouble-free and 3-1 is a fair price.
Race 10: Hollyn Bootie (#8) ran right alongside Fly On Down in their Mountain Top trial opening weekend so we know this youngster is talented for trainer Blane Wood and rider Rickey Ramirez. Barn is high on the horse so we’re expecting the filly to improve in second career start at 7/2 odds.