RUIDOSO, N.M. (AP) - In the second-closest finish to an All American Futurity in its 52 years, long shot Mr Piloto beat JLS Mr Bigtime by a nose and Dominyun by a neck.
The only time the 440-yard race has a closer finish was in 1972 when the top four horses were each a nose apart in the race won by Possumjet.
It was the first All American win for jockey Esgar Ramirez and trainer Felipe Quintero. The 27-year-olds became the second-youngest winner in their role.
Mr Piloto was timed in 21.55 seconds and returned $46.60 to win, $20.60 to place and $8.40 to show.
``I knew I had the win,'' said Ramirez, who won an All American Derby for 3-year-olds in 2006 aboard Arealstraitheaert. ``It was a close call, but my horse did a great job and he was well prepared. Felipe did a great job of training the horse.''
Mr Piloto and JLS Mr Bigtime got off to slow starts. JLS Mr Bigtime rallied from the No. 1 post to nearly win the race, while Mr Piloto lugged out to the right out of the No. 9 slot before straightening out and giving a great run over the final 100 yards.
Dominyun was a factor down the stretch, but just didn't have enough at the end.
``Mr Piloto didn't get off to a great start,'' Quintero said. ``But he's been training well and getting better. We qualified as the 10th-fastest for this race, but he is improving and has been working hard. It's an amazing feeling to win this race as a trainer, this is what I have always hoped for.''
The Louisiana-bred Mr Piloto earned $1 million for owner Jose Trevino with his second win in four career starts.
JLS Mr Bigtime, the slight 2-1 favorite at post time, returned $4.20 to place and $3.40 to show. Dominyun returned $4.40 to show.
