Gemologist, under Luis Martinez, winning the $50,000 Zia Quarter Horse Juvenile on Sunday at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack & Casino.

© Bailey Ivey / Ruidoso Downs

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—AUGUST 7, 2022–Gemologist edged away from Jm Jazzlynn to win the $50,000 Zia Quarter Horse Juvenile by half-a-length Sunday afternoon at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack & Casino.

Under the guidance of jockey Luis Martinez, Gemologist covered the 400 yards in :19.776 seconds, equaling a 91 speed index into a 6 mph crosswind. It was the third win in six starts this year for the son of multiple stakes winner Jess A Chicks.

Trainer Eloy Navarro saddled the $9,000 Ruidoso New Mexico Bred Yearling Sale graduate for owner Jose Mendoza. The $21,000 winner's purse boosted the bay gelding's earnings total to $47,789.

Mikkelson Racing LLC bred Gemologist from the Sixes Royal mare Pops Lil Princess. The gelding was second in the AQHA President's Open Spring Futurity at Turf Paradise on April.

Runner-up Jm Jazzlynn picked up $9,000 for her second-place effort. Tony Sedillo trains the daughter of Jm Specialwynn for owner Ventura M Ranch, LLC.  J & M Racing & Farm bred the sorrel filly from the Corona Cartel mare Built N Flash. Two races back the sorrel filly was fourth in the Mountain Top QH Juvenile.

White Lightenin, a son of first-crop sire Eye Am King, finished a neck back to pick up $5,000 for third. Trainer James Gonzales, II named Mario Delgado to ride the 2-year-old gelding for owners Denis and Julie Schoenhofer. MJ Farms bred the $32,000 Ruidoso New Mexico-Bred Sale graduate from their champion mare Alice K White by First Down Dash.

Mr Tres Effort, Wood Dee Queen, Jess Emotions, Jenavi, Dash Flash, Sissys Passion and Owens Wee Beastie completed the field.

Racing continues next Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Ruidoso Downs with first post at 1 p.m. (MDT). Next weekend is the Chile the Kid Beer and Wine Festival in the Santa Fe Furniture Event Center. For more information visit www.raceruidoso.com.