ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – More than 300 two-year-old racehorses are set to compete this Monday and Tuesday at The Downs at Albuquerque in 32 qualifying heats for a chance to race in the prestigious $3-million, Grade 1 All American Futurity on Labor Day, September 1.
This marks the second year the iconic 440-yard sprint will take place in Albuquerque due to extensive flood damage at its original venue, Ruidoso Downs. Post time for each of the two trial days is 11 a.m., featuring 16 races per day.
Headlining Monday’s opening trial is Political Twist, an undefeated standout who’s already claimed victories in the $1-million Ruidoso Futurity and the $365,271 West Texas Futurity. Skipping the now-cancelled Rainbow Futurity due to the Ruidoso flooding, the colt enters Monday with four straight wins and earnings totaling $603,017. Ridden by Luis Martinez and trained by Xavier Rodriguez, Political Twist will break from post 8.
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Sharing the gate in that same heat is Mr High Five, runner-up in time to the Rainbow Futurity qualifiers. The colt, also sired by Apollitical Jess, is trained by Eric Valenzuela and will be piloted by jockey Sergio Becerra Jr. from post 9.
Later on Monday, the seventh trial will feature WR Desperado, the fastest qualifier to the Rainbow Futurity. Trained by Mike Joiner, this Favorite Cartel colt recently broke his maiden in impressive fashion, completing 400 yards in 19.582 seconds.
The final race of the day (Trial 16) will showcase Effortless Favorite, who finished in a rare dead heat to win the $1,161,010 Heritage Place Futurity at Remington Park. With three wins from four starts and earnings of $365,138, the Jason Olmstead-trained colt will be ridden by Francisco Ramirez Jr. from post 3.
On Tuesday, the spotlight will turn to Talias Cowboy in the third trial. The Flying Cowboy 123 filly, undefeated in three starts, has narrowly missed qualifying for several major futurities but has shown strong form. Representing Triple One Ranch LLC, she’ll break from post 2 with Bryan Candanosa aboard for trainer Saul Ramirez Jr.
Additional trials for the $700,000 All American Derby and $500,000 All American Oaks are scheduled for Wednesday at The Downs. Fans can watch and wager on all trial races at SunRay Park and Casino’s simulcast theater.
