M E Kool Carter, ridden by Eric Ayala, wins his trial heat and sets the time to beat in the Bitterroot Futurity-G3 trials on Sunday at Pocatello Downs.

© Sam Wilson

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

POCATELLO, ID–JUNE 29, 2025–M E Kool Carter posted the fastest qualifying time in the first of five trials for the $75,000-added Bitterroot Futurity [RG3], earning his spot in the upcoming final set for July 20.

M E Kool Carter led the 350-yard trial run from gate to wire, stopping the clock in :17.932 seconds, earning a 90 speed index over a fast track with a light crosswind at 5 mph. The slight upset over Kr Cartels Calamity paid $11.00 for the win.

This marked his second win from three career starts, adding to a promising résumé that already includes a third-place finish in the Idaho Cup Futurity at Pocatello Downs in May.

Bred and owned by David Merritt and Kim Newman of Idaho, M E Kool Carter is out of Kool Sweet Jess, by One Sweet Jess. Jarrett Mills trains the son of Carters Cartel, and Eric Ayala rode him to a determined neck victory. The trial win was worth $900.

Following closely in the same heat, Kr Cartels Calamity delivered a strong finish to post the second-fastest qualifying time, stopping the clock at :17.975 seconds with an 89 speed index. The colt crossed the wire just a neck behind the winner and remains one of the most accomplished juveniles on the Idaho-Utah circuit.

The son of Five Bar Cartel is out of Kr Calamity, by Foose. He was bred in Colorado by Kidd Ranch and purchased for $12,000 at the 2024 Heritage Place Yearling Sale. Kr Cartels Calamity has won two of three lifetime starts and earned $42,496, highlighted by a victory in the Beehive Futurity at Weber Downs in April.

He is owned by Luis Gonzales. Abelardo Gonzalez trains the colt and Cesar Moreno was in the saddle.

The third-fastest qualifier, Fire In The Whole, followed with a sharp victory of her own, stopping the timer in :17.984 and earning a 89 speed index. The gray filly scored by a neck, adding another stakes-caliber performance to her growing record.

She has now won three of four career starts and was previously a finalist in the Beehive Futurity at Weber Downs in April. Sired by Kvn Corona and out of Separate Fire, by Walk Thru Fire, she was bred in Utah by McColee Land & Livestock LLC.

Fire In The Whole is owned by Michael K. McKell. She is trained by Sergio Canales, and Jesus J. Canales had the riding call.

CLICK HERE for a complete list of qualifiers to the Bitterroot Futurity [RG3] with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, trainers and jockeys.

The second five fastest qualifiers from each day of trials are preferred invites to the $15,000 Bitterroot Juvenile this will also run back on July 20. For those horses CLICK HERE.

Editor's note: A photo of this race will be posted with this article as soon as it is available from the track photographer.

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