Fastest qualifier Akurit, under jockey Rodrigo Vallejo, returned today to win the $96,942 Ruidoso Maiden Stakes (not black type) at Ruidoso Downs.

© Bailey Ivey / Ruidoso Downs

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—JUNE 18, 2022–Racing over a muddy race course, Akurit drew off to win the $96,942 Ruidoso Maiden Stakes (not black type) by 1-1/2 lengths on Saturday afternoon at Ruidoso Downs.

Under jockey Rodrigo Vallejo fastest qualifier Akurit drifted while completing the 350 yard course in :17.564 seconds, equaling a 92 speed index into a 10 mph headwind. It was the fourth win in the last five starts for the son of all-time leading sire First Down Dash.

Conditioned by trainer M. Heath Taylor, Akurit finished a troubled last in the Grade 2 $270,100 Heritage Place Derby at Remington Park two races back, his only loss this season.

The Texas-bred gelding races for owners Mary G. Thompson and Pat Windham. AQHA Racing champion breeder Bobby D. Cox bred the sorrel gelding in Texas from the Apollitical Jess mare Celtic Emblem. He picked up $40,716 today to nearly double his earnings mark to $77,729.

Gentry Farms' Kentucky homebred Family Dynasty finished second to earn $17,450.  The daughter of three-time world champion sire FDD Dynasty was ridden by jockey Raul Valenzuela and is trained by John Stinebaugh.

Bred from the Tres Seis mare Heartbeat, Family Dynasty has compiled a (8) 2-2-1 record and earned $28,625. Heartbeat is a daughter of the multiple stakes winning Mr Jess Perry mare Fearless Freda.

Bumped at the start, Alamo Lake finished a neck back for owner Empire Racing. Ramon Mendoza sent out the gelded son of leading sire Favorite Cartel from the Foose mare No Arizona. Steve D. Burns bred Alamo Lake in California. Sergio Becerra, Jr. was aboard. Winless in eight starts, Alamo Lake picked up $9,694 for his effort.

Favored One, Apollitical Problem, Nez Classified-DH, Six Mile Senator-DH, Cc Max and Jess Political Perks completed the field.