Muy Peligrosito very dangerous at All American Derby distance

Muy Peligrosito is unbeaten at 440 yards, one of two finalists with such a record in Sunday’s $808,264 All American Derby at Ruidoso Downs.

“He doesn’t look like a 440 horse,” trainer Eric Valenzuela said Thursday. “He’s not a big horse. He’s short, but he’s very long.”

A winner of 5 of 9 starts, Muy Peligrosito won for the fourth time at 440 yards in a division of the All American trials on a sloppy track Aug. 21. Muy Peligrosito was timed in 21.47 seconds, winning the fifth of eight trials.

The win put Muy Peligrosito at the fore of Ruidoso’s richest derby along with fastest qualifier A Pollitical Candy V and Bomb Cyclone, an impressive trial race winner in his 2022 debut.

A Pollitical Candy V, who won his trial in 21.22, is unbeaten in three starts at 440 yards, including the Rainbow Derby on July 23. He won a trial for the All American by 2 3/4 lengths.

Bomb Cyclone, who won the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity last December, won his All American trial by a sparkling 3 1/4 lengths in 21.29 for his fourth win in six starts.

“Bomb Cyclone is just a monster,” Valenzuela said. “He’s proved that time and time again.”

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By comparison, Muy Peligrosito, who races for Super Champion Inc., won his All American trial by 1 1/2 lengths in his first start since a second in the Ruidoso Derby at 400 yards on June 11.

At times earlier this year, Muy Peligrosito has struggled to break sharply, an issue that led to repeated gate schooling through the summer. Muy Peligrosito had a better start Aug. 21.

“He was breaking late, and I think that’s something he’s gotten better at,” Valenzuela said.

Valenzuela credits jockey Sergio Becerra Jr. for his work riding Muy Peligrosito in the mornings in gallops and gate schooling.

“He puts in the work,” Valenzuela said. “He’s not just a raceday rider.”

Apollitical Candy V will be favored over Bomb Cyclone in the 10-horse All American Derby. Muy Peligrosito is likely to be the third choice.

Fdd Scout, a trial race winner in 21.28, will be well-backed. Fdd Scout was second in the $3 million All American Futurity last September.

Valenzuela, 39, is after his richest career win in the All American Derby. He is a paramedic firefighter by trade in Douglas, Ariz., and spends as much time as possible with his New Mexico-based stable.

Valenzuela says his stable staff has been vital to the barn’s success.

“My guys don’t get enough credit,” he said.

If Muy Peligrosito wins the All American Derby, the appreciation could arrive in healthy bonuses.

All American Oaks

The $460,484 All American Oaks on Sunday is as competitive as the All American Derby.

The 440-yard race for fillies is led by the undefeated fastest qualifier Toxic Relationship, who will have her stakes debut and fifth start for owner and breeder Steve Burns and trainer Dean Frey.

Toxic Relationship won twice at Los Alamitos last fall and an allowance race at Ruidoso Downs on July 4 before winning a division of the All American Oaks trials in 21.40.

Trial race winners Kiss the Cartel (21.47) and Political Rose (21.50) are capable of winning the Oaks. Kiss the Cartel was second to Miss Beth Dutton in the Rainbow Oaks at 440 yards on July 23 and beat that rival in the All American Oaks trials on Aug. 21. Miss Beth Dutton was fast enough to gain a berth in Sunday’s race.

Political Rose won the Heritage Place Oaks at 400 yards on May 28 at Remington Park. The All American Oaks trial was her only start this year at 440 yards and kept her 2022 unbeaten streak intact after four races.