New Mexico
The 2025 Ruidoso Futurity and Ruidoso Derby highlight weekend racing at Ruidoso Downs
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A big weekend of quarter horse racing is in store at Ruidoso Downs Race Track and Casino.
The 400-yard Ruidoso Derby is slated for Saturday, June 7, for 3-year-old quarter horses and will start at 4:54 p.m. MT and is race No. 10.
The 350-yard Ruidoso Futurity is slated for Sunday, June 8, for 2-year-old quarter horses and will start at 5:10 p.m. MT and is race No. 10.
Both the Ruidoso Futurity and Ruidoso Derby are the first leg of the Triple Crown for both the 2-year-olds and 3-year-olds. The Rainbow Futurity and Rainbow Derby, as well as the All American Futurity and All American Derby, will be held later in the spring/summer meet in Ruidoso.
On both Saturday and Sunday, there are 10 races and the first race begins at 1 p.m.
Ruidoso Derby post positions, horses, jockeys, trainers, owners and morning-line odds
- Hardtokatch, Juan Pulido, Cristian Alcala, JSM Quarter Horses LLC and Alcala Ranch LLC, 30-1
- FDD Dreams, Luis M. Martinez, Xavier E. Rodriguez, La Feliz Montana Ranch, LLC. (Javier Rodriguez et al), 5-2
- Electrifying Cowboy, Sergio Becerra, Jr. Ramon Mendoza, Tungsten Racing Partnership (Marcelino Gonzalez et al) and Ronald L. Sugamosto, 20-1
- Little Vaquero, Fransico Calderon, Xavier E. Rodriguez, La Feliz Montana Ranch, LLC. (Javier Rodriguez et al), 5-2, 5-1
- Lethal Cowboy 123, Edwin G, Escobedo, Marc E. Jungers, Caliche Walls Venture LLC, Alan Isbell, K. Lance Bland and Jimmy Barton, 15-1
- Eagle Aye, Luis Angel Flores-Garcia, Ramon Mendoza, Tungsten Racing Partnership (Marcelino Gonzalez et al) and Heysol Howlet, 15-1
- KJ Born To Be Wild, Wesley T. Giles, Noe Garcia, Jr., John and W. Kathy Lee and I. Ruben Mares, 8-1
- DAOU, Christian Cardenas, Fred Danley, J & SM, Inc. (Sue May et al), 9-2
- Stetsonn, Bryan Candanosa, Dean R. Frey, G,R. Jr. and Shaena Carter, 7-2
- Cartel Perry, Jesus Rios Ayala, Christopher O’Dell, Johnny Trotter, 10-1
Ruidoso Futurity post positions, horses, jockeys, trainers, owners and morning-line odds
- Apolitical Valor, Jacob Enriquez, Clinton Crawford, MJR Investments, Ltd. (Yolanda Rogers et al), 5-1
- Famous N Relentless, Ramiro Haro Garcia, Jason L. Olmstead, Tom Maher and Amber Olmstead, 15-1
- Allegiant Air, Ruben Castro, Trey Wood, Norman W. Allen, 20-1
- Dee Favorite Tacha, Jesse Lee levario, Ricardo G. Armendariz, Ricardo G. Armendariz, Jr. and Eric Pineda, 7-2
- Preying n Sinning, Christian Cardenas, Alberto Amparan, 93 Ranch (Jorge Vasquez et al), 15-1
- AJ Remember Me, Juan Pulido, Cristian Alcala, Corinna M. Sosa, 10-1
- Jess Cartel Blue, Ali Rivera, John Stinebaugh, Pete A. Scarmardo, 8-1
- Russ Gus, Francisco Calderon, Xavier E. Rodriguez, Daniel G. Miranda, 9-1
- Political Twist, Luis M. Martinez, Xavier E. Rodriguez, La Feliz Montana Ranch LLC and B. Ray Willis, 5-2
- Lareda, Ricky Ramirez, Trey Wood, E. Gene Bradley and Tod Bradley, 30-1
Felix Chavez’s picks for Ruidoso Futurity and Ruidoso Derby
- In the Ruidoso Futurity, I like Political Twist, who has won all three career starts, including the West Texas Futurity at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on April 5. Political Twist has great early speed and won his trial for this race by more than two lengths. Political Twist is listed at 5-2 in the morning line.
- In the Ruidoso Derby, my pick to win is Stetsonn. The Oklahoma-bred has had a wonderful 3-year-old campaign, winning three of four starts. He is the son of 2015 All American Futurity winner Jess Good Candy. If this horse breaks on top, he has a great chance to win as he has a good closing finish.
Longshots to watch in Ruidoso Futurity and Ruidoso Derby
- The longshot I like in the Ruidoso Futurity is Allegiant Air, who is listed at 20-1 in the morning line. He has won two of three career starts and ran sixth in the West Texas Futurity, where he had a troubled start.
- The longshot I like in the Ruidoso Derby is Hardtokatch. The Texas-bred didn’t run as a 2-year-old and that appears to have helped him. He has won both starts in 2025 and has shown that he can get the lead early and hold the lead throughout, plus he doesn’t have the wear and tear of a grueling 2-year-old campaign.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached at fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
New Mexico
Playoff-Race closing: New Mexico United takes on Colorado Springs Switchbacks – New Mexico United
New Mexico United travels to Colorado Springs this Wednesday for a Western Conference showdown in the USL Championship playoff race.
The Black & Yellow currently sit fifth in the USL Championship, fighting for the postseason and will look to keep building momentum as the regular season winds down. With a few matches remaining, every point matters, and United will aim to deliver a strong midweek performance on the road.
Wednesday’s contest will be the third meeting between United and the Switchbacks FC this year. In their previous two encounters, United secured a home victory in June during the Jagermeister cup, and drew in the first encounter in June. This clash gives United a chance to claim the season series and strengthen their hold on a playoff spot.
Standout Performers: Archimède and Keller
Forward Luther Archimède continues to be a spark for United’s attack, bringing energy, pace, and aerial ability. His late equalizing goal against Monterey Bay highlighted his gift for delivering in clutch moments. The sixth man has contributed two goals in six games off the bench, proving his talent.
Defender Kipp Keller has been a rock at the back for United since arriving, with his calm composure, strength, and sharp defensive instincts. His leadership on the backline and ability to read the game have been crucial in keeping opponents on their toes. His presence will be needed to keep Colorado’s attackers in check.
Milestones in Sight: Tambakis
Goalkeeper Alex Tambakis is on the verge of making USL Championship history, needing just one more clean sheet to become the league’s all-time leader. After recording his 58th career shutout recently—tying the current record held by Evan Newton—Tambakis will have the opportunity to stand alone at the top when United takes the field Wednesday night in Colorado.
About Colorado Springs
The Switchbacks have fought their way into playoff contention with their mix of grit and attacking ability. On the Attacking side Marco Micaletto has been getting it done, leading the team in goals with six. On the back line, Matthew Mahoney provides a physical and clinical presence, leading the Switchbacks in almost every defensive category this season.
Looking Ahead
Following Wednesday’s trip to Colorado, New Mexico United return home hosting Lexington SC on Sunday at 4 PM MT. With the postseason right around the corner, the Black & Yellow remain focused on collecting crucial points and carrying the momentum into October.
Get tickets HERE
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