New Mexico-Bred Harken Races Saturday For a Shot in the All American Derby
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2025
New Mexico-bred Harken and jockey Sergio Becerra Jr., the 2-1 morning line favorite in Saturday’s running of the Mountain Top Derby, will race for more than a trophy and the winner’s share of the $200,000 purse.
A win also puts Harken into the mix with open company to compete in the All American Derby trials later this summer according to his trainer.
“It we do good in the Mountain Top, our plan is to supplement Harken into the All American Derby,” trainer Jesus Soto said this week. “He’s already paid to enter into the Zia Derby, but if this horse wins Saturday we’ll give him the added bonus to face the fastest horses in the country.”
Harken already defeated open company in the West Texas Derby at Sunland Park on March 1. The gelding has now won four straight races including his trial race for the state-bred Mountain Top by nearly two lengths here on May 31 in the fastest time of the day, 17.343 seconds for 350-yards.
Jesus, who has been training at Ruidoso Downs for more than twenty years, says Harken is his fastest horse he’s ever trained.
“My sister Nancy (Islas) owns the horse and our family has had good luck with him so far with the exception of the State Fair Futurity in Albuquerque,” Jesus said. Harken suffered a troubled trip in that specific race last fall to run seventh—the last time Harken lost.
Jockey Becerra Jr. has been the only rider in Harken’s career. He exercises Harken most every day and knows how special the gelding has been for everyone involved with his conditioning.
“Harken is super smart,” Sergio said. “You can ask him for an extra gear in a race and he’ll give it to you. He usually doesn’t let other horses come up and get even with him—he’s very competitive. That’s the difference between Harken and many other horses.”
Jesus says his sister confirmed that she is willing to put up the $50,000 supplement payment to enter the All American Derby should he win the Mountain Top on Saturday.
“We’ve already talked about it,” Jesua said. “We feel like Harken deserves the chance. It all starts with a win in the Mountain Top.”
Harken will be number-five in the tenth race on Saturday with first post time scheduled for 1 p.m.