RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM – AUGUST 16, 2020 – Going into today’s co-featured races, nine of the 20 horses in the two Rio Grande Futurities came out of the Todd Fincher barn. In the end, the winners of both the Rio Grande Senorita Thoroughbred Futurity and the Rio Grande Senor Thoroughbred Futurity were Fincher-trained. Comic Hot Toddy captured the win for the fillies in the Senorita, and Delbert Too hit the wire first for the colts and gelding in the Senor on a fast track with no wind.

In the $134,667 Rio Grande Senor Thoroughbred Futurity, not only did Fincher capture the top prize with Delbert Too winning by a length, but Digger’s Gold and Cheese Tray ran second and third to help the Fincher barn complete the trifecta by finishing 1-2-3. The morning line favorite Jornalero finished fourth, and race-time favorite Aisle Runner was not a factor.

Delbert Too, a black gelding by Marking out of On Stride by Ghostly Moves, is owned by B4 Farms LLC, Lee Owens, and Dale Alan. Alfredo Juarez, Jr. was aboard today and rode Delbert Too to victory in the 5 ½ furlong race with a time of 1:04.20. A $2 win ticket paid $10.80. 

“I could tell in his trial race that he was closing well with both Aisle Runner and Jornalero in the mud, so I knew that Alfredo would put him in the right spot and time his ride. That’s what happened,” said Fincher. “This youngster will be a nice two-turn horse as he gets older.”

Two races earlier in the 5 ½ furlong $133,828 Rio Grande Senorita TB Futurity, Comic Hot Toddy dueled early and then pulled away for a commanding win. Comic Hot Toddy, a black filly by Indian Firewater out of Comicsperfectstorm by Comic Genius, is owned by Helen Nave.

“This filly has a big heart and wants to compete,” said trainer Fincher. “She doesn’t show us that much in the mornings, but when she got tested today, she moved right along. She’s got some talent for being so young.”

Comic Hot Toddy hit the wire well ahead of the rest of the field with a time of 1:03.97. Jockey Shave Laviolette had the mount.

“She had plenty of speed to get out and running and when I finally got her to switch leads, we were clear,” said Laviolette. 

Atill I Chime finished second and Bully Baby finished third. Morning line favorite Fill The Bill ran fourth. A $2 win ticket on Comic Hot Toddy paid $7.80.

Racing continues next Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Ruidoso Downs Race Track with the running of trials for the All American Futurity, the All American Derby and the All American Oaks. There will be 16 races on Friday and Saturday, and 12 races on Sunday. Post time is 11:00 AM MDT on Friday and Saturday, and at 12:00 Noon on Sunday. At this time, the Turf Club and the Jockey Club are limited to 50% capacity due to the Public Health Order from the State of New Mexico.

For more information on how to watch online, place your bet with your favorite online wagering provider, or conduct drive-thru wagering, please visit RaceRuidoso.com.