TWO ECLIPSE SALE GRADUATES QUALIFY TO $500,000 RUIDOSO FUTURITY(G1)
RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—MAY 22, 2009—2008 Eclipse Sale Graduates First Klas Fred and Eyes For My Corona were among the ten fastest qualifiers from 16 trials to the Grade 1, $500,000 Ruidoso Futurity(G1) on Friday at Ruidoso Downs.
The horses with the 10-fastest times will race in the finals on June 7 for the winner’s share of $250,0000 to the Ruidoso Futurity.
First Klas Fred raced to the second-fastest time when he won the 15th division with a :17.691 clocking. The son of first crop sires Fredricksburg ran strongly on the outside of the track to defeat Swingin Daddyo by a half length.
Trained by Mike Joiner for owners Denis and Julie Schoenhofer, First Klas Fred won his maiden with the trial win. He was highly regarded after finishing fifth in the Grade 1, $300,000 West Texas Futurity in his prior start.
The Schoenhofer's bought the gelding bred by Jim & Marilyn Helzer for $20,000 at the 2008 Eclipse Select Yearling Sale at Lone Star Park.
Debra Gotovac's Eyes For My Corona won the fifth trial in :17.804 seconds to post the eighth fastest time. The gelded son of second crop sire CORONA FOR ME came into the race off a trial win to the Remington Park Futurity on April 4.
Saddled by Bradley Bolen he was ridden by Cody Wainscott. Bred in Texas by Blanca Julia Corella, the sorrel gelding was purchased by Gotovac for $10,000 at the Eclipse Select Yearling Sale on August 8.
