Weekend Wrap-Up by Mike Ahrens: July 3 - 5, 2020

Trials for the inaugural Rainbow Oaks took place in races one through four today. The fourth and final saw the triumphant return of Fernweh, winner of the 2019 Ruidoso Futurity. Jockey Ricky Ramirez never uncocked his stick and she strolled to win by two-and-a-half in 21.350. That time was not the fastest for the fillies-only trials, which went to Ratification the trial prior who dominated in 21.293. Southern Wagon also impressed in the first race winning easily in 21.393. The times for these three fillies would have been fast enough to qualify for the open company Rainbow Derby.

An interesting race was the 11th, which saw four runners qualify for the finals with the second through fifth fastest times in Derby trials. The race was won by Cers Final Try in a gutsy effort. "He's solid," said trainer Tony Sedillo. "He just comes up here and gives you everything he's got. You could see today where he just kept coming. That other horse was on the lead, but he ran big" to surge past late.

Trainer John Stinebaugh qualified two for the Derby finals. In race eight he won with Perrys Double Down. "We've been waiting on him and it was just a matter of time till he got good," said Stinebaugh. He then made the 10th and final spot with Hes Back in the 12th and final race, which was won impressively by the filly Hotsempting going against the boys posting the fastest time. That finale did have a stronger tailwind, having picked up to 14mph, but generally, there was moderate tail- to crosswind throughout the day. But as Hotsempting's trainer Sergio Ibarra has told us before, in Ruidoso you're not just racing other horses, you're also up against the elements.