Page 174 - Speedhorse October 2018

New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Futurity-RG3
LEGEND OF THE VINE
by Michael Compton
Legend of the Vine led a parade of grays across the finish line of the $325,483 New Mexico State Fair Futurity-RG3
at Albuquerque Downs on Sept. 22.
The gray two-year-old daughter of Big Daddy Cartel sprung the 22-1 upset, defeating fellow grays EB Rapidito and Nevado Cartel in a blanket finish.
Ridden by Justin Shepherd, Legend of the Vine broke fifth from
the two-gate and raced in third position early, but quickly caught up to the leaders and dueled the length of the lane.
The filly proved best by a neck over EB Rapidito, covering the 400 yards in :19.926, good for an 81 speed index.
“She broke a step slow, but she ran to them,” stated Shepherd, who also piloted the filly to a
second-place finish in her Sept. 7 trial heat for the eighth fastest qualifying position.
“The more pressure they put on her, the bigger her heart gets,” the jockey said.
“I wish every horse I rode had her try.”
Owned by J & SM Inc., Legend of the Vine, a $57,000 yearling purchase, collected the $162,742 winner’s share of the purse, increasing her earnings to $169,232.
Her first stakes victory improved her record to 5-2(1)- 1-0. Fred Danley trains the gray filly.
“She came into this race in great shape, so we were just hoping for the
best,” Danley told the press.
“I was a little bit concerned when she drew
an inside post, but it worked out great,” he said. Bred in New Mexico by Mac and Janis
Murray’s MJ Farms in Veguita, New Mexico,
Justin Shepherd after his victory
The Downs at Albuquerque $325,483 • 400 yards :19.926 • si 81
Corona Cartel
Big Daddy Cartel
Miss Racy Eyes
LEGEND OF THE VINE, ‘16-f.
Dash Ta Fame
Tangled Vines
Dashin Sandy
172 SPEEDHORSE, October 2018
Legend Of The Vine (#2) & Justin Shepherd win the New Mexico State Fair Futurity
RACING NEWS
Coady Photography Susan Bachelor, Speedhorse