Kj Desparado denies sweep, wins All American Futurity
Kj Desparado closed with a flourish to win the $3 million All American Futurity at Ruidoso Downs on Monday – and keep Jess Savin Candy from becoming just the second horse in history to sweep the track’s Triple Crown.
The 440-yard classic for Quarter Horses closed out the meet.
Kj Desparado, who was the fastest qualifier on Day 1 of trials for the All American, picked up steam throughout the stretch run to win by a neck over Fdd Scout. From there, it was a length back in third to Sippin Hayden, and another half-length to fourth-place finisher and favorite Jess Savin Candy.
Kj Desparado covered the distance on a fast track in 21.25 seconds. He paid $11.80.
Following the race, there was a stewards’ inquiry into the start. Kat Eye Kylie began bucking after the break and lost rider Ramon Sanchez. There was no change made to the order of finish. It appeared horse and rider escaped serious injury.
Jess Savin Candy had won the Ruidoso Futurity in June and the Rainbow Futurity in July, then was the fastest qualifier for the All American on Day 2 of trials to set him up for a bid at history. Just one horse has swept the local series, Special Effort in 1981.
Kj Desparado is a son of Apollitcal Jess who races for John W. Lee, Kathy Lee, and Ruben Mares. He is trained by Wesley Giles. He was winning his first stakes race.
Adrian Ramos was aboard Kj Desparado, one race after taking the consolation, the $200,000 All American Juvenile aboard Muy Peligrosito ($29.40). The horse won by 1 3/4 lengths over Valiant Charm while covering 440 yards in 21.16 seconds. Albert Valles trains Muy Peligrosito, by One Fabulous Eagle, for Abelardo Gallegas.
Danjer ($4.40) won his third consecutive graded stakes in the Grade 1, $200,000 All American Gold Cup for 3-year-olds and up. He covered 440 yards in 21.30 seconds. Cody Smith was aboard for co-owner and trainer Dean Frey. Following the race there was a stewards’ inquiry and a trainer’s objection, but no change was made to the order of finish, with Danjer winning by head over Mi Amor Secreto. Danjer is by Fdd Dynasty.