Triple Crown Report - May 26, 2023

For immediate release                            Contact:      Tim Keithley
                                                                                         575-937-4708
Fri. May 26, 2023                                                     tkeithley@raceruidoso.com

TRIPLE CROWN REPORT Presented by:

Trusty Jess records fastest qualifying time In trials for $1 million ruidoso futurity at ruidoso downs today

Trusty Jess, a two-year-old gelding, held off three other hores in the final strides to win the seventh race and qualify with the fastest time of 17.394 seconds during trials for the $1 million Ruidoso Futurity at Ruidoso Downs Race Track today.

“He did everything perfect,” jockey Eduardo Nicasio said after the race. “I’ve worked with him since January and knew he was fast. I pushed him a little but he did what he needed to do.”

The gelding is owned by Ray Willis, Cherri Michelet Snyder and Clifton Eldridge, and trained by Chris O’Dell who had three wins on the day.Trusty Jess is sired by Jess Good Candy out of the mare Entrust by Relagate and bred in New Mexico.

“We break our horses for Ruidoso at La Feliz Montana Ranch in Hondo and he was well-prepared,” O’Dell said. “He’s been a barn favorite because of his good mental attitude. We used a flipping haulter today and it helped him in the gate—we’ll continue to use that while he’s still learning.”

Trusty Jess paid $18.60, $8.20 and $4.20. Relentless Eagle also qualified for the final out of the same race in a time of 17.463 seconds.

Other qualifiers on Friday included:

• Kiss My Wine, winner of the 3rd race in 17.416 seconds.

• Caramel Macchiato, winner of the 4th race in 17.455 seconds.

• Trump This Record, winner of the 10th race in 17.473 seconds.

Racing continues on Saturday with round-two of qualifying for the $1 million Ruidoso Futurity with post time scheduled for Noon. The finals of the Ruidoso Futurity is schedule to be run on Sunday, June 11. For more information visit www.raceruidoso.com.