Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird, who started his 3-year-old campaign this year at New Mexico’s Sunland Park, returned to the Land of Enchantment this week to lead the post parade in the $2 million All American Quarter Horse Futurity at Ruidoso Downs.

“Everything went really smooth,” said trainer Chip Woolley of the gelding’s trip from Saratoga Springs that included a van ride to Newark, a flight from Newark to El Paso, and another van ride to Ruidoso.

“I like the idea of training at altitude,” added Woolley, who trains Mine That Bird for Mark Allen and Leonard Blach of Roswell, NM. “He’ll be galloping every day.”

 Ruidoso Downs, located in the Sacramento Mountains, is at an altitude of 6,900 feet.

After his New Mexico stay, Mine That Bird will ship to Southern California to prepare for the $5 million Breeders Cup Classic on November 7, at Santa Anita Park. Last May he stunned Kentucky Derby fans with a 50 to 1 upset win, after trailing the leaders by 20 lengths early in the race.

Mine That Bird, with earnings of $1.89 million, finished second to super filly Rachel Alexander in the Preakness Stakes and third in the Belmont Stakes, three lengths behind Travers Stakes winner Summer Bird. His most recent start was on August 1 in the West Virginia Derby, where he finished third.

Mark Allen’s Double Eagle Ranch will send out Winners Cartel in the All American Futurity on Labor Day. The son of Teller Cartel, sixth fastest qualifier with two wins from three starts, will be ridden by Mark Anthony Villa, the leading Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred jockey at Ruidoso Downs. Tony Sedillo is Winners Cartel’s trainer.

Mine That Bird is pictured galloping at Ruidoso Downs on Wednesday.