Rush My Hocks, under jockey Luis Flores-Garcia, setting the fastest time for the $30,000-added AQRA President's Open Spring Futurity at Turf Paradise.

© Coady Photography

PHOENIX, AZ—APRIL 4, 2024—Making his second career start, Rush My Hocks, a $50,000 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale graduate, broke his maiden while setting the fastest qualifying time for the AQRA President's Open Spring Futurity on Thursday at Turf Paradise.

The 10 fastest qualifiers, from two trial races contested today, will return to the Phoenix, Arizona racetrack on Thursday, April 25th to vie for the winner's share of a $30,000 added purse going 300 yards.

Rush My Hocks bounced off a troubled sixth-place effort in the West Texas Futurity trials on March 17 to win by 1-1/2 lengths and post the fastest clocking of :15.671 seconds, equaling a 92 speed index into a 8 mph crosswind. Under jockey Luis Flores-Garcia, the son of champion Kiss My Hocks drifted out as he drew clear of the field.

Eric Valenzuela conditions the New Mexico-bred gelding for owner Tungsten Racing Partnership.  MJ Farms bred Rush My Hocks from the Rushago mare Ima China Rush.  He has earned $9,028 in two starts.

Heartlande, a $50,000 Heritage Place Yearling Sale graduate, finished second in the fastest trial to get the second fastest clocking of :15.912, an 84 speed index.  Trainer Leonel Gonzalez saddled the daughter of leading sire Favorite Cartel for owner J Lazy Six Racing.

Bobby D. Cox bred the bay filly in Texas from the Apolitical Jess mare Jess A Sweetie. Cerapio Figueroa had the riding call for the filly's career debut.

For a complete list of AQRA President's Open Spring Futurity finalists, with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys CLICK HERE.