Swingin Daddyo, a veteran of 20 starts, claimed the $875,000, G1 Rainbow Derby at Ruidoso Downs on Saturday, July 23 at odds of 7-1.

“He broke on top and we led the whole way,” said rider Cody Wainscott of the Agouti-sired gelding, who covered 440 yards in :21.205, over a muddy track and against a brisk headwind.

Love Samba, fastest qualifier with :20.996 and the 5-2 favorite, finished sixth.

Trained by Bradley Bolen for Debra Gotovac, of Midland, TX, Swingin Daddyo won his Rainbow Derby trial off of a runner-up finish in the G1 Ruidoso Derby. As a 2-year-old, he qualified for the G1 Ruidoso Futurity and the $2 million All American Futurity.

Swingin Daddyo’s 19 start career record coming into the Rainbow Derby was seven more than any other competitor; he has raced in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Florida.

“He’s really a neat horse,” said Bolen. “He’s just a big goof who loves to eat his peppermint (treats). He will always have the slowest time when we work him in the morning, but he’s a gamer when he races.”

Swingin Daddyo earned $436,720 for the win.

The complete order of finish in the Rainbow Derby was Swingin Daddyo, Smokey Stone, First Klas Fred, Sir Seth, Favorite Cartel, Love Samba, Plain Azoom, Hoponthewagon, Streakin Down and Jess So Sixy.