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POCATELLO, ID–MAY 3, 2025–Quarter Horse racing got underway in Pocatello, Idaho, for the 2025 season on Saturday with four trials for the $20,000-est. Idaho Cup Futurity at Pocatello Downs.

Accredited Idaho-bred 2-year-olds participated in four 300-yard trial races, with the 10 fastest qualifiers advancing to the Sunday, May 25 final.

Owner-breeder Dave Merritt, trainer Jarrett Mills, and jockey Eric Ayala won two trials on Saturday's card, securing the top two qualifying spots.

M E Dulce This, a 2-year-old son of leading first-crop sire Dulce Sin Tacha, posted a 1 3/4 length win in the second trial to get the top time of 15.890 seconds, an 87 speed index into a 5 mph headwind.

Bred by Merritt and Kim Newman, from the Favorite Cartel mare Ettago This, M E Dulce This was a gate-to-wire winner in career debut. H earned $900 of the $1,500 purse post.

The trio returned in the next trial (race 4) with a neck win by M E Kool Carter. The son of champion Carters Cartel posted the second fastest time of 15.995 seconds, an 84 speed index.

Also bred by Merritt and Kim Newman, from the One Sweet Jess mare Kool Sweet Jess, M E Kool Carter was making his first start.

CLICK HERE for a list of Idaho Cup Futurity finalists with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, and jockeys.

Editor's note: A photo of the fastest qualifier will be posted with the story when it becomes available from track photographer.

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