M E Ettago Relent setting the fastest time in the Idaho Cup Derby trials.

© Sam Wilson

POCATELLO, ID–MAY 5, 2024–After spending nearly seven months in sunny Southern California M E Ettago Relent returned to her home state of Idaho to set the fastest qualifying time for the Idaho Cup Derby Sunday afternoon at Pocatello Downs.

The 10 fastest qualifiers, from two trials contested today for accredited Idaho-Bred 3-year-olds, will return to Pocatello Downs on Saturday, May 18 to vie for the winner's share of a $20,000-est. purse going a distance of 400 yards.

Under jockey Eric Ayala M E Ettago Relent flew from the gate to win by one-length while clocking the fastest time of :20.500 seconds, into a 10 mph crosswind on a "heavy" racing surface.

Trainer Jarrett Mills saddled the daughter of leading sire Hes Relentless to her third career win for owner-breeders Dave Merritt and Kim Newman. Last year the filly won the Bitterroot Futurity Consolation at Pocatello.  Out of the Favorite Cartel mare Ettago This, M E Ettago Relent has earned $26,282 in 12 career starts.

Making his first start since running second in a trial for the Idaho Cup Futurity last season, Js Night Moves was a neck winner over Bw Just A Ruger to get the second fastest clocking of :20.572 seconds on a "heavy" racecourse.

Trainer Kylie Valenzuela named jockey Jesus Valenzuela to ride the stakes-winning son of Winners Version for owner Kathy Daniels. Bred by Jeffery Steadman, from the Judge Cash mare Judging Julie, Js Night Moves has won three of six starts and earned $23,417.

For a list of Idaho Cup Derby finalists with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers, and jockeys CLICK HERE.