US Racing Track Guide: Ruidoso Downs

Betfair now offers Exchange markets on a whole host of tracks in the United States. In his latest in-depth guide, US racing handicapper Dean Keppler takes a look at Ruidoso Downs...

Ruidoso Downs Race Track

What kind of racecourse is it?

• The main dirt track is 7 furlongs. The dedicated Quarter Horse track is 550 yards.

Tell me something I don't know about this track

• It is the only horse racetrack in the United States and Europe that has a separate
quarter horse straightaway and oval Thoroughbred track giving spectators and
on-track racing fans a unique venue and experience.

• Ruidoso Downs is the home of the All American Futurity: "The World's Richest
Quarter Horse Race." The track also houses the Racehorse Hall of Fame.

When do they race?

(Thoroughbreds & Quarter Horses Mixed) Mainly Friday through Monday afternoons
May Through September - starting at 21:00 p.m. GMT

Best Ever Race - All American Futurity July 26, 1981

Special Effort won the All American Futurity and became the first horse to capture the Triple Crown at Ruidoso Downs. Special Effort remains the only horse to sweep the three classic futurities held every summer at the track.

Special Effort was purchased by Dan and Jolene Urschel, of Canadian, Texas. Taking a gamble, the Urschels paid $1 million for the colt, at the time the highest price ever paid for an American Quarter Horse in training.

Most Popular Jockeys

Giles, Francisco
Reves, Christian Santiago
Juarez, Jr., Alfredo J.

Most Popular Trainers

Fincher, Todd
Marr, Joel H.
Sedillo, Tony E.

How to find winners at Ruidoso Downs...

There's always a string of trainers who come right out and dominate a particular meet - if not in actual numbers of wins, then in terms of horses that win at very good prices a high percentage of the time. The scenario holds true for Ruidoso. Trainer Todd Fincher excels with first time starters; horses making their 3rd start off a layoff; and horses adding Blinkers. Trainer Joel Marr excels with 3rd off the Layoff runners (38%); and horses going sprint to route. It's essential that you familiarize yourself with which arsenal of trainers are locked and loaded for the upcoming meet. Negative trainer stars are just as effective for turning profits. For example, top trainer Tony Sedillo is 0 for 48 with debut runners at Ruidoso the past 5 years.

Draw Positions

Post 1 was the most advantageous winning over 16% of the time. The rest of the draws were fairly uniform with post 2 through 6 each winning over 11% of the time.

Running Styles

Speed or pressing speed has traditionally done well at Ruidoso in their Thoroughbred events. With the right set-up, however, closers or horses that come from off the pace can and do win with the right trip and pace scenario. Most often the horses with good late kick fill out the underneath slots in exotics.

When betting Ruisodo Downs look out for...

Speed-types drawn on the rail; the jockey/trainer combo of Todd Fincher and Francisco Giles. Over the past 2 years the pair have won 33% of their races with a positive $2 ROI.