Hard To Politic, ridden by Juan Pulido, wins the $100,000 Rainbow Juvenile Stakes by 1/2-length on Sunday at Ruidoso Downs.

Ruidoso Downs

RUIDOSO, NM–JULY 14, 2024–Hard To Politic holds off Daou, who was on his tail for the win, in the $100,000 Rainbow Juvenile on Sunday at Ruidoso Downs. Ima Relentless trails behind the two for third.

Hard To Politic won her first out in the trials to the Rainbow Futurity [G1], and remains undefeated after winning the Juvenile in :19.695 seconds. He defeated Daou by a 1/2-length, clocking a 90 speed index.

The post-time favorite's 400-yard effort paid $3.80 to win on 4/5 odds. Jockey Juan Pulido was aboard the son of Apollitical Jess for both victories.  

Trained by Toby Keeton, Hard To Politic boosted his earnings to $48,967 after cashing in the $42,967 winner's check. Louis Malechek, III, bred and owns the sorrel gelding in Oklahoma out of the Foose Grade 2 winning mare Hardtoget, who is a half-sister to Grade 1 winner and new record setter Lynnder 16. He is from the family of champion Tiny First Effort.

Noe Garcia Jr piloted Daou to his second-place finish. Trained by Fred Danley, the son of FDD Dynasty broke his maiden in his first out but has yet to win again from six starts. Daou has earned $49,434 for owner J and SM, Inc., including the winning from his third-place finish in the Ruidoso Juvenile Stakes last month.

Breeder MJ Farms sold Daou to his owner for $270,000 in the 2023 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale. He was bred in New Mexico out of Donelli by Big Daddy Cartel.

Trainer Marc Jungers saddled jockey Christian Ramos aboard Ima Relentless for his third-place finish. The son of Hes Relentless has lit the board in every out from five starts with two wins and $37,227 in the bank.

Caliche Walls Venture LLC, Gary, Cain, Alan, Isabell and Lance Bland, and Jimmy Barton own Ima Relentless. The $125,000 Heritage Place Yearling Sale graduate was bred by Tom Maher in Oklahoma out of Ima Gator Fan by City Place.

Assaultt, Seven Cmon Eleven, Princes Abigail, Razor Sharp, Kash N Checks and Julia Belle round out the order of finish. A Dream Fulfilled, Future Look and Rush My Hocks were scratched.