He won his Ruidoso Futurity trial two weeks ago by nearly five lengths – the only 2-year-old to ever post a faster time for 350 yards at Ruidoso Downs was champion Heartswideopen, his dam’s half-sister.

On Sunday, June 13, at Ruidoso Downs, American Runaway, trained by Paul Jones, will go to post in the G1 $500,000 Ruidoso Futurity, the first leg of Quarter racing’s Triple Crown. His qualifying time of 17.138 seconds is an all-time trial record for the race. If he wins, he will be eligible for a $4 million bonus, contingent on victories in the Rainbow Futurity and All-American Futurity, as well.

Paul Jones claimed his third All American Futurity win last year with Runnning Brook Gal, but has yet to win the Ruidoso Futurity. This year, in addition to American Runaway, he will also send out Royally Sandra, the second-fastest qualifier with 17.455 seconds.

American Runaway, by Ocean Runaway, was runner-up by a nose to Llano Teller in the G1 Remington Park Futurity in April with co-owner Sammy Martinez as trainer. The Ruidoso Futurity trial was his first start for Jones and his first win from 4 starts.

Martinez owns Runaway American in partnership with Johnny Martinez and Bobby Cox.

Royally Sandra, also trained by Jones, was the second-fastest qualifier to the Ruidoso Futurity with a 3-length trial win in 17.455. The Royal Quick Dash daughter is co-owned by R.D. Hubbard and her breeder Barry Thompson. Her dam, Lady McDiva, is a full sister to 2005 Ruidoso Futurity winner Leading Spirit.