AA DERBY AND OAKS QUALIFIERS

Ruidoso Downs, NM—Rainbow Derby champion A Pollitical Candy V, a three-year-old gelding, stormed home a winner of the 8th trial race by nearly three-lengths while recording the fastest time of the day during trials for the $808,264 All American Derby at Ruidoso Downs Race Track.

“We have a bullet,” jockey Juan Pulido said of his mount that won for the fourth time in a row in a time of 21.227 seconds for 440-yards on a sloppy race track. “This was his best race of the summer,” Pulido said. “He seems to be in tremendous condition right now. He’s acclaimated to the mountains and getting plenty of air. The horse gives me confidence going into the final.” A Pollitical Candy V is sired by Apollitical Jess out of the mare Rock Candy Sa by Good Reason Sa and owned by the Valeriano Racing Stables. The gelding paid $2.60, $2.10 and $2.10 to win.

Other quarter horses to qualify for the September 4 th All American Derby final include: Fdd Scout in 21.288 seconds; Bomb Cyclone in 21.292 seconds; Lethal Avenger in 21.299 seconds; Muy Peligrosito in 21.471 seconds; Apolitical Eyeopener in 21.477 seconds; Strong Soul in 21.536 seconds; Whirlaway Wagon in 21.542 seconds; Delight Us All in 21.546 seconds; and Ht Double Jess in 21.569 seconds.

In the trials for the $460,824 All American Oaks for three-year-old fillies, Toxic Relationship and Jockey Francisco Calderon held off a late charge by Sassalitical by a neck to win the 1 st race in a winning time of 21.409 seconds for 440-yards.

“I couldn’t see much with the mud on my goggles but I could feel the horse coming to the right of me,” Calderon said. “This filly got the nod and stayed undefeated. I’ve been working with her all year—even back in the spring at Remington Park. She’s very fast and we’re excited to be in the final.” Toxic Relationship is owned by Steve Burns who also bred the filly with trainer Dean Frey. She paid $8.60, $5.60 and $3.40 to win.

The rest of the All American Oaks field that qualified for the September 4th final include: Sassalitical in 21.450 seconds; Kiss the Cartel in 21.474 seconds; Shesa Relentless Gal in 21.503 seconds; Political Rose in 21.509 seconds; Mperative in 21.553 seconds; Miss Beth Dutton in 21.632 seconds; Family Dynasty in 21.664 seconds; Sunshine Nmy Pocket in 21.674 seconds; and KJ Brandy in 21.675 seconds.