RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM – JUNE 6, 2020 – After four trial heats for the Mountain Top Thoroughbred Futurity, a 5-furlong race for 2-year-old New Mexico-bred horses, trainer Todd Fincher was the man of the hour when five of the eight qualifying spots today were filled by horses from his barn. The final two positions will be filled in a Sunday morning draw by the third-place finishers in the four heats. Two horses from the Fincher barn will be vying for those spots as well.

 “You never know how the babies will perform because they are all put in new positions and situations,” said Fincher. “I was most impressed with Aisle Runner because he stayed under wraps. Luis Fuentes did a nice job with him. He’s a 20-year-old rider that keeps improving. I think he has a bright future if he keeps working at it. It seems like the horses Luis rides seem to have enough left in them to finish well.”

The qualifiers from Fincher’s barn include Aisle Runner, One Mark, My Storm Warrior, Zesty Jazzman, and Benjamin Who. Band of Glory and Caught Stealing are the Fincher horses that will participate in the Sunday morning draw for the last two spots in the final. 

“I was impressed with both winners - especially Aisle Runner,” said jockey Luis Fuentes. “It was so easy. I didn’t ask him for too much, and my horse still had plenty left at the end. I hope to ride him back in the final.”

Other qualifiers include Bully Baby, Fill The Bill, and Jornalero, a long shot who dominated the field in the first heat to qualify early. Shamefully Sweet and Seventh Hennessy are the other third-place finishers that will draw for the two spots in the final.

The finals for the Mountain Top New Mexico Bred Thoroughbred Futurity, which has a purse of $163,415, will be run on Saturday, June 20th. 

For more information about drive-thru wagering and how to watch and wager online, visit RaceRuidoso.com.