Ochao went to win the richest North American race, All American Futurity in emphatic manner at Ruidoso Downs
In front of 22,650 fans, the fastest qualifier, 2-year-old Ochoa, overhauled his opponents with a devastating late charge to land the richest race for the 2-year-old racehorse, the Grade 1 $2.4 million All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs on 5 September,
2011.
All American Futurity is the richest race in North America, with a massive $1.2 million winner's share, largest by far in the quarter horse racing.
It is anticipated that the heavily pursed race is to stack up more dough in the 2013 edition of the race, going up to $2.6 million from $2.4 million, inevitably increasing the winner's share to $1.3 million.
Ochoa ran as if he understood the distance, and to add to his owner's and trainer's delight, he went on to win the race by a considerable margin of 1 1/2 length over Jess Send Me.
The colt broke well from the ninth post position and was safely into contention within the first 100 yards.
Ochoa was composed and he gave the impression that he understood the weight of the situation, and right after breaking, he straightened up and quickly ran through the race like a professional horse would do.
He covered the first 440 yards in a quick time of 21.05 seconds. Under jockey Roy Baldillez, Ochoa had a perfect trip.
From the gates he stood perfect and from the outset he broke on top and he was gone.
It was the third All American Futurity win for trainer, Dwayne "Sleepy" Gilbreath.
"It looked like everything went great. He didn't really break that sharp, but he never does. Three or four jumps and he was rolling. I was so happy I didn't know what to think", the trainer said.
Ochoa was first considered to run in the Rainbow series, another rich race, but the connections decided to pass up on it and concentrate more on the All American Futurity Stakes.
Skipping the Rainbow series paid dividends as the colt became the fastest runner to qualify for the race in 21.07 seconds.
There was a brief inquiry right after the race but it was nothing of concern, as Ochoa made his connections $1.2 million richer when they took the cheque back with them.
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