Political Twist takes Los Alamitos Super Derby
Political Twist, the champion 2-year-old Quarter Horse of 2025 and a three-time major stakes winner in New Mexico in the last 19 months, won for the first time in California in Sunday’s $673,950 Los Alamitos Super Derby.
The Super Derby is California’s leading stakes for 3-year-old Quarter Horses.
Ridden by Luis Martinez for trainer Manuel Rodriguez, Political Twist ($3) had a clean journey through the 400-yard race, winning by a half-length over 17-1 Enforce, the champion 2-year-old Quarter Horse colt of 2025.
Political Twist was timed in 19.52 seconds.
Brother Ray (15-1) finished third in the field of 10. The race was marred, however, to an injury sustained by the brilliant filly Beuteeful in the final 100 yards. Beuteeful (6-1) was racing about 1 1/4 lengths behind Political Twist when she lost action in her rear legs and finished ninth. She was vanned from the racetrack.
Owner Keith Nellesen said on Monday morning that Beeteeful was being observed by veterinarians.
“She’s walking and not limping,” he said. “We think her stifle locked up.”
Beuteeful is the most accomplished filly or mare at Los Alamitos this year, with wins in the Los Alamitos Oaks in March and the Mildred Vessels Handicap against older fillies and mares in September.
Political Twist, owned by Javier Rodriguez’s La Feliz Montana Ranch and Ray Willis, has won 11 of 14 starts and earned $1,940,778.
Last year, Political Twist won the West Texas and Ruidoso futurities and was second in the $3 million All American Futurity, all in New Mexico. At the end of the year, Political Twist was a troubled seventh in the Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity.
Earlier this year, Political Twist won the Rainbow Derby and was second in the All American Derby in Albuquerque. In addition to winning the title of champion 2-year-old Quarter Horse of 2025, Political Twist was also honored as champion 2-year-old gelding.
With the win on Sunday, Political Twist earned a berth to the $700,000 Champion of Champions at 440 yards at Los Alamitos on Dec. 12, the leading race for 3-year-olds and older horses.
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