RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—JUNE 27, 2020—SC Money Maker left the gate and never looked back today in the Grade 2 Higheasterjet Handicap at Ruidoso Downs Race Track. The Mike Robbins-trained gelding ran the 350 yards in a speedy :17.25 to capture the $24,000 winner’s share of the $40,000 purse.

The win came after a lengthy delay caused by thundershowers and lightning in the area after which the race was run on a sealed track.

SC Money Maker, a 4-year-old by Pyc Paint Your Wagon out of four-time champion Spit Curl Diva by Spit Curl Jess, is owned by Reliance Ranches/Micah McKinney, et al. A $2 win ticket paid out $33.80. With three career starts at Ruidoso Downs, SC Money Maker has notched two wins and boasts five career wins overall with lifetime earnings approaching $200,000.

“The horse had tapered off a little at Remington Park, and we were even thinking about retiring him. But we all decided to bring him here for the summer where he likes the cool weather,” said Cody Noel, assistant trainer to Robbins. “Turns out, he probably needed the rest after Remington, and he’s been showing us that he’s still fast. It seems like he’s a different horse in the mountains.”

Winning jockey, Benito Baca, was a program change at the beginning of the race day, as SC Money Maker was scheduled to be ridden by Esgar Ramirez. Ramirez was unable to ride any of his mounts today.

“I was fortunate to pick up the mount. Cody called yesterday and said Esgar had to tend to some things, and I knew this horse from having helped Cody over the winter. As soon as the gate opened, we left quick, and I knew it was his day,” said Baca.

The morning line favorite, Consigliere, finished second to SC Money Maker by two lengths, and Senator Fast Jack finished third by a nose.

Runner-up Consigliere earned $8,000 for owner Rafter W Stables. Michael Joiner saddled the son of leading sire One Famous Eagle out of the champion daughter Walk Thur Fire, Separate Fire. Noe Garcia Jr. had the riding call aboard the McColee Land & Cattle LLC Utah-bred gelding. Ha has compild a (12) 3-5-1 record and banked $73,484.

Senator Fast Jack finished a nose back to earn $4,000 for third. Paul Nieto had the riding call aboard the Louisiana Senator 5-year-old for trainer Harvey Baeza. Alonso Juarez owns the Oklahoma-bred out of Shezafasterthanjcak by Heza Fast Dash. Sissie and Bob McClure bred the multiple stakes-placed earner of $118,663.

Putinical, Taking The Stage, Senor Frogs, Thisizit, Fire Up Eagles, Flash For Corona and Jess My Kiss completed the field.

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Racing continues tomorrow at Ruidoso Downs with the running of the First Lady Handicap for fillies and mares. The Turf Club is open to 50% capacity, and there are still a limited number of 4-person tables available to the public for $50 each. Post time is 1:00 PM. Visit RaceRuidoso.com to make reservations and to find out how to watch and wager along with information on drive-thru wagering that is being offered at the Ruidoso Sale Barn.

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For the latest Ruidoso Downs information, go to www.raceruidoso.com, visit the Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino Facebook page and follow Ruidoso Downs on Twitter @RuidosoDowns and on Instagram.