Predictions: Hezgothelook Z will win 2024 All American Futurity, make Triple Crown history

Monday is the day many quarter horse racing fans have been waiting for after a challenging year in Ruidoso.

Hezgothelook Z will attempt to win the Quarter Horse Triple Crown for 2-year-olds for just the second time in history when he goes to post in the Grade 1, 440-yard All American Futurity at the Downs of Albuquerque.

Special Effort accomplished the Triple Crown feat in 1981.

This year's All American Futurity was moved to Albuquerque after severe storms damaged the track in Ruidoso. The tradition and spectacle of a $3 million race will be something to remember in New Mexico's largest city.

Here are my predictions for the All American Futurity and some of the other big races on Monday. The 12-race card begins at 1 p.m.

All American Futurity, 11th race, 6:20 p.m. post time

My take is that history will be made on Labor Day. Hezgothelook Z has been extraordinary during this run to history. He seems to get better with each race and certainly has had no problems going from 350 yards in the Ruidoso Futurity finals to the All American Futurity distance of 440-yards.

Hezgothelook Z, who is trained by Toby Keeton and ridden by Bryan Candanosa, appears sound and up to the task against his nine rivals.

For second, I like Painted Eclispe, who won this year's West Texas Futurity at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. He's finished in the top two in four of five races, including three wins. He only made the race after another qualifying horse was scratched from the finals because of a bad test. Maybe it's meant to be for Painted Eclispe.

For third I like Brink Man V for trainer Heath Taylor. Brink Man V is on the improve and will make the race interesting with his early speed.

All American Derby, 10th race, 5:40 p.m. post time

Dashing Tres has been solid all summer winning Rainbow Derby and finishing third in the Ruidoso Derby and I like the Texas-bred to take top honors in the 440-yard race for 3-year-olds.

For second, Cowboys Gun Z is my pick. Last year's All American Futurity winner looked good in his trial win for trainer Michael Joiner.

For third, I will go with Shoeless . Shoeless has won five of eight races and was fifth in the Rainbow Derby.

All American Gold Cup, 12th race, 7 p.m. post time

The field of seven older quarter horses going 440 yards offers an intriguing betting opportuniy as all seven horses are accomplished.

KJ Desparado is the pick here, he's a past All American Futurity winner and has won 16 of 24 starts for trainer Wesley T. Giles.

Flash Bak is another consistent winner for trainer Heath Taylor and I like him for second. He has won 13 times and won the Championship at Sunland Park in January.

For third, I like Out of the Way , who is also trained by Giles and will be ridden by Christian Ramos. He has been sharp this year with a win and two seconds.

More: All American Futurity Draw Post positions, odds set for All American Futurity, All American Derby Sept. 2

Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Predictions: Hezgothelook Z will win 2024 All American Futurity, make Triple Crown history