ALBUQUERQUE, NM—SEPTEMBER 8, 2017—JM Country Man, a stakes-winning son of Mr Jess Perry, is the fastest qualifier to the September 23, $75,000-added La Fiesta Derby at Albuquerque Downs.

Racing in the second of two 440-yard trials on Friday, JM Country Man defeated second-fastest qualifier Toretto by a half of a length in :21.276. Mauro Salcedo rode the Arkansas-bred gelding for owner J & M Racing and Farm of Monahans, Texas, and trainer Cynthia Gonzalez.

JM Country Man has earned $151,979 from 11 starts, and his four wins include a one-length victory at odds of 21-1 in last year’s $224,558 La Fiesta Futurity at Albuquerque Downs. He is out of the Grade 3 winner Sumokin by Country Chicks Man.

The top four qualifiers came from the second trial.

Highest Return, a stakes-placed son of second crop sire High Rate Of Return, defeated Zenefit by half-a-length in the opening trial to post the fourth fastest time of :21.557 seconds.

Jockey Agustin Silva rode the sorrel gelding for owner Marquez Racing LLC and trainer Eric Daniel Marquez. CNN Breeding bred the $43,644 earner in Oklahoma from the Major Rime mare Cute N RImen.

The complete list of La Fiesta Derby finalists, qualifying times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.

Live racing resumes at Albuquerque Downs with a 10-race card on Saturday, beginning at 1:30 p.m. (MDT). Saturday’s program features four 400-yard La Fiesta Quarter Horse Futurity trials and two 6-furlong New Mexico State Fair Thoroughbred Futurity (R) trials.

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The Downs at Albuquerque Racetrack and Casino is located in the heart of Albuquerque at Expo New Mexico, the home of the New Mexico State Fair. General admission and parking (valet and self-parking) are always free. For more information, visit abqdowns.com and click on the “Racetrack” link at the top of the homepage.