Harken Fastest in Mountain Top Derby Trials at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack

SATURDAY, MAY 31

Coady Media

(Ruidoso Downs,NM) Harken and jockey Sergio Becerra Jr. continue to dominate the class of three-year-old New Mexico-breds by winning the seventh race during trials of the $200,000 (est.) Mountain Top Derby with the fastest time of the day, 17.343 seconds for 350-yards.

The gelding, sired by Eye Am King out of the mare Donelli by Big Daddy Cartel, has won four straight races including the West Texas Derby at Sunland Park on March 1. It was a seventh career win in eleven starts today for owner Nancy Islas.

“The horse broke sharp and never looked back,” trainer Jesus Soto said. “He has been off since the West Texas so I do think we will see improvement in the final.”

Harken’s win was by one-length-and-a-quarter over Bout Damn Time and King Seis that also qualified for the June 14th final. Payouts were $2.80, $2.40 and $2.20.