Pocatello Downs will host six trials for the $70,000-added Bitterroot Futurity on Sunday.

© Pocatello Downs

By Louanne Wainscott, StallioneSearch

POCATELLO, ID–JUNE 26, 2026–Sunday afternoon at Pocatello Downs sets the stage for one of the most important days of the meet as a ten-race card begins at 1:00 p.m. and is highlighted by six trial heats for the Bitterroot Futurity. Thirty-eight juveniles will compete in races three through eight, covering 350 yards in pursuit of one of the ten fastest qualifying times for the $70,000-added Bitterroot Futurity on July 19. The next ten fastest qualifiers will earn a return trip in the estimated $15,000 Bitterroot Juvenile Stakes.

The horse to beat is Mysterious Hero, who headlines the fifth trial in race seven as the 9-5 morning-line favorite. The gelding enters undefeated, having won both of his career starts, including the $86,000 Beehive Futurity. He has earned $37,640 for owner Luis A. Gonzalez, who purchased him for $10,000 at the Heritage Place Yearling Sale.

The son of Tarzanito, out of the Valiant Hero mare Mysterious Night, was bred in Texas by J/R Robicheaux and Spanish Moss QH. Trainer Abelardo Gonzalez will saddle the talented gelding from post five, with Cesar T. Moreno aboard, as they aim to secure another fast qualifying performance.

Sp Cyber City, at 5-2 morning-line odds, lines up right alongside him. Although still seeking his first career victory, the gelding has shown steady improvement in three starts. He earned his place in the Beehive Futurity by qualifying through the trials and finished a game second, just one-half length behind Mysterious Hero. Sunday's rematch gives him an opportunity to turn the tables.

The son of Cyber Monday is out of the Five Bar Cartel mare High Five City and was bred in Utah by Spencer Peterson. He races for Buckway Ranch, LLC., and is trained by Joe M. Davis, who will send him from post six with Kevin Carbajal in the saddle.

With thirty-eight promising 2-year-olds vying for a spot in the Bitterroot Futurity, every trial carries added importance, as fractions of a second determine who advances to championship day. The afternoon also offers entertainment beyond the racetrack, with live music from Judd Erickson and Paige Anne, giving fans a full day of racing and entertainment as the next group of futurity contenders looks to earn its place in the spotlight.

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