'Miracle' breaks through in Futurity

After having qualified for all three futurity races this season at Ruidoso Downs, J & M Racing and Farm's Jm Miracle finally delivered on all that promise. Under a perfect ride from Ramon Sanchez, the Oklahoma-bred son of Volcom posted a stirring win in Monday's $2.6 million All American Futurity in front of a capacity crowd on closing day of the 2014 racing season at Ruidoso Downs. Jm Miracle, bred by P.K. Thomas and trained by Umberto Belloc, broke sharply from the three post, dueled for the lead with railsitter Apollitical Blood early in the 400-yard dash. After putting that one away, he dueled with Bodacious Eagle further down the lane before gradually inching clear to post the win as the sixth choice in the wagering at odds of 7.40-1. "He warmed up pretty good, but he was a little excited in the gate, turning his head and looking around," said Sanchez. "He got settled down ,and he got quiet. We got the lead about the middle way. And after that he finished strong." Jm Miracle ran the 440 yards in a fast time of 21.38 seconds, finishing a half-length in front of Mad About The Moon and jockey Sergio Becerra, Jr., who rallied late to earn the place, a neck in front of Sam Crow and rider Ricky Ramirez. Rounding out the order of finish was Apollitcal Blood, followed by Bodacious Eagle, post-time favorite Exquisite Stride, Tempting Destiny, Thunderball B with This Fire Is Cold finishing last. Im a Fancy Pyc was scratched earlier in the day. For Belloc and the J & M Racing Farm stables, Monday was a banner day, winning both the All American Futurity, and earlier in the day, the $100,000 All American Juvenile with Jm Specialwynn. The win in the All American was a particularly satisfying one for the connections. Having earned his way into the Ruidoso Futurity on June 8, then the Rainbow Futurity on July 20 and coming up short on both occasions, Jm Miracle easily picked up the biggest win in his six-race career...more