RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—SEPTEMBER 5, 2020—On Sunday, 3-year-old Quarter Horses will take center stage at Ruidoso Downs with the 46th running of the Grade 1 $1,077,688 All American Derby, contested at the classic Quarter Horse distance of 440 yards.

Off a dominating trial race Gold Heart Eagle V (5/2), a horse that broke his maiden in the trials, has been installed as the morning-line favorite over Ruidoso QH Derby(G1) winner Hotsempting (7/2) and Rainbow QH Derby(G1) winner Cers Final Try (9/2).

The lightly raced Gold Heart V kicked off the August 23rd All American Derby trials with a four-length win, under champion jockey James Flores, to set the top qualifying mark of :21.108 seconds, a 103 speed index.

National leading trainer Monty Arrossa conditions the son of leading sire One Famous Eagle for owner Valeriano Racing Stables LLC. The big bay colt went into the trials off a close third-place effort, to Cers Final Try and Hotsempting, in the $710,414 Rainbow Derby(G1) on July 18th. Prior to that he was fourth in his Rainbow Derby trial.

In two starts at two he was second in a trial to Rainbow Futurity and sixth in maiden at Ruidoso. In his first start of 2020 he finished fifth in a Ruidoso Derby trial.

Bred in Texas by Christine Hudson, Gold Heart Eagle V is a brother to All American Futurity(G1) runner-up and leading first-crop sire One Fabulous Eagle.

A win in Sunday's All American Derby would secure the colt as probably the leading sire prospect of his crop. Gold Heart Eagle V will start from Post 5.

The industry's top earning 3-year-old, Hotsempting, will race from Post 7 for owners Miguel and Mauricio Gallegos. Sergio Ibarra has named regular rider Esgar Ramirez to ride the daughter of champion sire Tempting Dash.

Hotsempting has won five of six starts this season including the $887,266 Ruidoso QH Derby(G1). Her only loss was the aforementioned Rainbow QH Derby(G1) when Cers Final Try nailed her by a head at the wire. The only filly who opted to take on the boys in both the Rainbow and All American Derby's this year has earned $575,420. Fulton Quien Sabe Ranches LP is the breeder.

Cers Final Try brings a three-race win streak in Sunday's rich derby. The son of world champion One Dashing Eagle seems to be peeking at the right time for owner Christina Robinson and trainer Tony Sedillo.

Following a solid 2-year-old last season, with a second in the All American Juvenile and third in the Southwest Juvenile Invitational Championship(G2), the Oklahoma-bred gelding seems to have taken it up a notch this year.

Bred by the late Charles Robinson, Cer Final Try was second to Hotsempting in the Ruidoso QH Derby(G1) then turned the table in the Rainbow QH Derby(G1) final for the biggest win of his career. The $552,300 earner was a three-quarter length winner in his All American trial, after bobbling the start, to end the day as the fourth-fastest qualifier.

The All American Derby(G1) complete lineup, in post-position order including jockey assignments and morning-line odds:

1. Inaugurator, J.R. Ayala (10/1)
2. Elm Creek Khrome, J.A. Alvarez (15/1)
3. Jess Sumokin Hot, R. Ramirez (5/1)
4. Cers Final Try, A. Sigala (9/2)
5. Gold Heart Eagle V, J.A. Flores (5/2)
6. Love Is Everything V, J.D. Brooks (8/1)
7. Hotsempting, E. Ramirez (7/2)
8. Kj Mucho Macho Man, A. Hernandez (15/1)
9. Kleptomaniac, T. Thedford (20/1)
10. Hes Back, R.A. Valenzuela (20/1)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This weekend, the drive-thru wagering windows located at the Ruidoso Sale Barn will allow patrons to bet on Sunday and Monday’s race cards one day in advance.

Racing continues through Labor Day with a 1:00 PM post time each day.

All Ruidoso Downs races, can be seen at Q-RacingVideo.com.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

At this time, the Turf Club and the Jockey Club are limited to 50% capacity due to the Public Health Order from the State of New Mexico. For more information on how to watch online, place your bet with your favorite online wagering provider, or conduct drive-thru wagering, please visit RaceRuidoso.com.