WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2025

Jockey Ricky Ramirez says his mount King of the Tide has just what it takes to win the world’s richest quarter horse race, the $3 million All American Futurity, being held for the second straight year at the Downs of Albuquerque on Monday.

“It’s that powerful feeling you have when they’re underneath you,” Ricky said. “I had the same feeling with Whistle Stop Café when we won the Futurity in 2000.”

Ricky and King of the Tide clocked the fastest qualifying time for two-year-olds of 21.001 seconds for 440-yards during trials earlier this month. The New Mexico-bred gelding will be number-five and is 7/2 on the morning line for the race scheduled to go to post as the tenth on Monday’s card.

Ricky said his confidence grew significantly when King of the Tide finished second in the state-bred Mountain Top Futurity at Ruidoso Downs on June 15. Owners Gene Bradley, Tod Bradley and Ware Brown agreed with trainer Trey Wood that the gelding’s next appearance would be in the All American trials.

“This horse made up so much ground going three-fifty in that race,” Ricky said. “We knew that the four-forty distance would be perfect for him.”

King of the Tide will be asked to defeat two other undefeated quarter horses in the final including Political Twist (Luis Martinez) and Envestor (Noe Garcia Jr.).

Political Twist, number-nine, has been the horse of the summer at Ruidoso Downs for owners Javier Rodriguez and Ray Willis. The gelding has five straight wins including victories in the West Texas Futurity at Sunland Park and Ruidoso Futurity here. Political Twist is 5/2 on the morning line with career earnings of over $600,000.

“This horse is a complete professional,” Javier said. “The secret ingredient to Political Twist is no mistakes. The horse stands in the gate and waits for it to open. We like his chances and wish everyone else good luck in the race.”

Envestor, number-four, is also undefeated for owners Richard Young, Joe Yates and Zack Stinebaugh. Zack also trains the horse who won all three-- Ruidoso, Rainbow and All American trials this summer.

Shortly after purchasing the horse at the Ruidoso Select Sale, the owners changed the horse’s name from “Scarface Jimmy” to Envestor. The horse has a noticeable scar on his lip from an earlier accident as a youngster.

“We purchased him for $28,000 and now we’re in a race for $3 million,” Zack said. “He’s been impressive with the way he comes from behind and shows so much late energy and speed. The 440-yard distance is where this horse succeeds.” Envestor is 8-1 on the morning line.

The All American Futurity will be televised live nationwide on the Cowboy Channel Monday afternoon. Post time is scheduled for 6:25 p.m.

Ruidoso Downs will have a “watch party” inside Billy’s Cantina located next to Billy the Kid Casino and on the patio and simulcast areas. Tickets to attend the race in Albuquerque are available from the Downs of Albuquerque.