Bella Dona and Mark’s Warrior, both stakes winners during the recently concluded Ruidoso Downs summer meet, are among the 10 New Mexico-bred 2-year-olds entered back in Sunday’s 6-furlong, $242,349 New Mexico State Fair Thoroughbred Futurity (R) at Albuquerque Downs.
Bella Dona (pictured) is a homebred daughter of Attila’s Storm racing for Robert Driggers, Del Rae Driggers, and Ben Lee Ivey. The filly won both of her starts during the Ruidoso meet, including the 5 1/2-furlong, $125,000 Rio Grande Senorita Futurity (R) on August 15.
Bella Dona is a full sister to three-time stakes winner Tilla Cat and a half to stakes winner Lariat. The filly drew post 2 and will be ridden by Jimmy Ray Coates for trainer Simon Buechler.
Mark’s Warrior is trained by Todd Fincher for owner Dale F. Taylor Racing LLC. A homebred son of Marking, the gelding ended his Ruidoso season with a half-length win at odds of 24-1 in the 5 1/2-furlong, $116,000 Rio Grande Senor Futurity (R) on August 15.
Mark’s Warrior is a half brother to 2020 Mountain Top Futurity (R) winner My Storm Warrior. The gelding drew post 10 and will be ridden by Alfredo Sigala.
The complete lineup, in post position order including jockey assignments:
Shelly d’Oro (Edgar S. Martinez)
Bella Dona (Jimmy Ray Coates)
I’ve Got It (Duane Sterling)
Reads Pet Zenon (Maria L. Baca)
Fabstraction (Tracy Hebert)
Emmys Silver (Rigo Sarmiento)
Wheres Brayden (Enrique P. Gomez)
Action Junky (Roimes Chirinos)
Lonzo Who (Rodolfo Guerra)
Mark’s Warrior (Alfredo Sigala)