Racing


Mr Innovator Gives Impressive Showing in Mountain Top QH Futurity
Bad Kompany (#8), under jockey Jose Ortiz, defeating Daddys Mony (#1) in the $50,000 Mountain Top QH Juvenile Sunday at Ruidoso Downs.

© Jake Rogers / Ruidoso Downs
Mr Innovator Gives Impressive Showing in Mountain Top QH Futurity

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—JUNE 20, 2021—Mr Innovator, a 2-year-old grey gelding, broke on top and never looked back in winning the $280,371 Mountain Top New Mexico-Bred Futurity Sunday afternoon at Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

"When he broke like he did, I knew that we were going to roll," said jockey Mario Delgado. "He has been so impressive from the start even when we were breaking him. He's a special horse that continues to improve every trip."

It is Mr Innovator's third consecutive win since starting at Remington Park with a maiden victory in the spring. He paid $3.80, $3.00 and $2.40 today covering the 350-yards in a time of :17.436 seconds for trainer James Gonzales and owner Cody Cobb.

The winning connections of Mr Innovator accept the Mountain Top QH Futurity stakes trophy Sunday at Ruidoso Downs. © Jake Rogers / Ruidoso Downs
The horse had the fastest time in the Mountain Top Futurity trials, running :17.859 seconds winning his trial heat on June 4th.

James and Cody were friends growing up in Midland, Texas, and have worked during Cody's private purchase of the gelding from its breeder, Mikkelson Racing last fall.

Mr Innovator picked up $117,546 for winning the Mountain Top today to bring his total earnings mark to $131,440 from three starts. A son of leading New Mexico sire Big Daddy Cartel, the gray gelding is out of RG3-placed Dean Miracle mare Total Miracle. He is a half-brother to multiple RG2 winner Princess Jesse and RG1-placed Kaydns Krusader.

"We'll discuss our options going forward, but right now he's headed to the Zia Futurity," said Cobb. "That's where we're pointing, and then we might take a look at the All American if the horse continues to show his abilities."

Runner-up Azara earned $50,377 for her second-place effort. Manuel Rodriguez conditions the daughter A Royal Jess for owner MRB Racing LLC. Bred by Elva Palma from the Tempting Dash mare Camelia, Azara broke her maiden in the June 4th Mountain Top trials. In two starts she has banked $53,977.

Triple R Racing Stables LLC's Renika picked up $27,987 for third. Jason Driver trains the $15,000 Ruidoso New Mexico-Bred Sale graduate by Big Daddy Cartel. Emilio Tapia had the riding call aboard the bay filly out of Woodys Allstar by Woodbridge. Second in the New Mexico Breeders' Futurity (RG3) in May, Renika has earned $53,038. MJ Farms is the breeder.

Jess Ring The Bell, Daddys Dream Girl, Borderan, Lil Rev, Run Time and Tosma completed the field.

Racing continues next Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Ruidoso Downs with the Mountain Top TB Futurity and the Rita Danley Distaff Stakes being featured on Saturday's card. Post time is 1:00 PM each day.

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For more information about the Ruidoso Downs 2021 racing schedule or to reserve your tickets and plan your visit, go to RaceRuidoso.com.