Field Set for New Mexico Breeders’ Futurity at SunRay Park

JLB Eye The Tiger, a gray son of Eye Am King racing for Rene Salgado, is the fastest qualifier to the May 18, $230,000-added New Mexico Breeders’ Futurity (RG3) for state-bred 2-year-old Quarter Horses at SunRay Park.

Racing in the first of six trials on Friday, JLB Eye The Tiger defeated second-fastest qualifier Don Chuy Jr by a half of a length while covering 350 yards in :17.392. Christian Cardenas rode the gelding for trainer James Gonzales III.

JLB Eye The Tiger was making his official career debut. The gelding was bred by Annette A. Benevidez, and he is out of GW Tiny Tiger, a winning daughter of the Royal Quick Dash stallion Royal Shake Em. Salgado purchased JLB Eye The Tiger for $7,500 at last year’s New Mexico-Bred Sale at Ruidoso Downs.

Don Chuy Jr was ridden by Emilio Tapia for owner and trainer Jaime Aldavaz Sr. A homebred son of the First Moonflash stallion Don Chuy C, the bay gelding stopped the timer in :17.485 while making his second career start.

Don Chuy Jr is out of Regal La Ree, a winning daughter of the First Down Dash stallion A Regal Choice.

James Lynn’s Bout Damn Time set the co-third fastest qualifying time with his half-length win in the third trial. A homebred Eye Am King filly, Bout Damn Time covered 350 yards in :17.499 under jockey Noe Garcia Jr. Wes Giles prepped the filly, who was winning for the first time in two starts.

Bout Damn Time is out of Design Tobe A Winner, a multiple stakes winning Winners Version mare and a finalist in the 2014 West Texas Derby (G3) at Sunland Park.

Easily Bella CSJ was the co-third fastest qualifier following her head victory in the fifth heat. Alonso Rivera rode the daughter of the One Famous Eagle stallion Bella Faccia for owner Christian D. Olivas and trainer Julian Rey Honesto.

Easily Bella CSJ was bred by Mario Dominguez.

The complete list of qualifiers appears below: