Kj Desparado has no problem with Ruidoso Derby

RUIDOSO DOWNS, N.M. - Kj Desparado was flawless in Saturday’s $669,025 Ruidoso Derby at Ruidoso Downs, going off favored and winning by 2 1/4 lengths.

Lethal Avenger, the 2-1 second choice, never had a chance.

While Kj Desparado had a clean start in the 400-yard race, Lethal Avenger reared when the gates opened and was immediately behind the field. Kj Desparado, ridden by Adrian Ramos, was never troubled by nine rivals, and won comfortably in 19.34 seconds.

Muy Peligrosito (15-1) was always second and held that position at the finish, a length in front of 27-1 Kiss the Cartel. Lethal Avenger closed some ground after the poor start and finished seventh, beaten five lengths.

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The Ruidoso Derby was Kj Desparado’s first start in a stakes at Ruidoso Downs since a win in the $3 million All American Futurity last September, Quarter Horse racing’s richest race.

Trained by Wes Giles, Kj Desparado has won 8 of 12 starts and earned $2,390,751 for owners John and Kathy Lee and Ruben Mares.

Kj Desparado has won his last six starts. After the win in the All American, Kj Desparado won the Texas Classic Futurity at Lone Star Park on Nov. 27, but was later found to have a medication positive from a time trial for that race on Nov. 6. The legal side of that case has not been completed.

Kj Desparado had his first start since the Texas Classic Futurity in the Ruidoso Derby trials on May 29, winning a division of the trials in 20.02 seconds for the second-fastest qualifying time among 10 finalists. Lethal Avenger was the fastest qualifier with a trial time of 19.94 seconds.