Fastest qualifier Miss Royal Hawk continued her impressive 2-year-old campaign Monday afternoon at Grants Pass, capturing the $79,540 Far West Futurity for her third consecutive victory and seventh win in eight career starts.

Ridden by Jaime Lopez, Miss Royal Hawk brushed at the start but quickly recovered to challenge for the lead. The filly battled with Big Kixx Cartel throughout the 400-yard contest before digging in late to prevail by a head. She stopped the clock in :19.658 over a fast track, earning a 96 speed index.

Miss Royal Hawk is a homebred for owner Ismael Villarreal and is trained by Jose Rosales Gomez. The Oregon-bred sorrel filly is sired by The Cartel Hawk and out of the Royal Shake Em mare Miss Royal Rumble.

Monday's victory added another major stakes title to her outstanding freshman season. Miss Royal Hawk previously captured the Firecracker Futurity and Pocatello Downs Spring Futurity and has now won seven of her eight career starts. Her record stands at 8-7-1-0 with earnings of $100,144.

Third-fastest qualifier Big Kixx Cartel overcame bumping at the start to battle for the lead before being narrowly denied at the wire, finishing second by three-quarters of a length over Tomatito. Ridden by Oscar Peinado, the colt races for owner Rancho AA LLC and trainer Adrian Gonzalez.

Bred by Belinda Pustka, Big Kixx Cartel is a $32,000 TQHA Yearling Sale graduate sired by Kiss My Hocks and out of the Big Daddy Cartel mare Fame In Rio. He now has a career record of 3-1-1-1 with earnings of $17,188.

Tomatito recovered from early bumping to rally into third under jockey Erick De Luna. The gelding races for owner Leobardo Bernal and trainer Mario Portillo.

Bred by Brazos and Sarah Wilfong, Tomatito is sired by One Famous Man and out of the Five Bar Cartel mare Sister Showtime. Earlier this season, he finished second in the Emerald Downs Juvenile Challenge. He now has a career record of 7-3-3-1 with earnings of $35,757.

Ima Flyin Fool finished fourth, followed by Winter Hawk Cartel, Iza Diva, One Fabulous Cartel, Kvn Popped Off and La Chata Jg. Fast Fly was scratched by the veterinarian.

The Far West Futurity carried a race value of $79,540, with Miss Royal Hawk earning the $32,800 winner's share.

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Haddad Ranch stallions KJ Mucho Macho Man and Politiko are now enrolled in the new FUEGO Stallion Incentive, adding another opportunity for breeders considering the Seguin, Texas, roster for 2027. KJ Mucho Macho Man joins the Azul Flight, while Politiko is enrolled in the Ember Flight.

KJ Mucho Macho Man

The nation’s No. 1 leading third-crop sire, KJ Mucho Macho Man joins FUEGO’s Azul Flight with more than $4.5 million in progeny earnings from just three crops to race. The son of Apollitical Jess is out of Rainbow Futurity (G1) winner Wild Six, by Tres Seis. He will stand at Haddad Ranch for a 2027 fee of $6,000.

He is the sire of eight runners with earnings exceeding $100,000, including KJ Bad Moon Rising SI 106, a nine-time winner with earnings of $1,458,856 and victories in the New Mexico State Fair Futurity (RG2), New Mexico State Fair Derby (RG2), Jess Burner Memorial Stakes (RG2) and Zia Stakes (RG2). KJ Meduzza SI 101 has won three races and earned $605,092, highlighted by the Lee Berwick Louisiana Bred Futurity (RG1) and LQHBA Sale Futurity (RG1). Ivory Macho Man SI 98 is a six-time winner with earnings of $355,002, including victories in the Dash For Cash Futurity (G2) and Black Gold Colts and Geldings Futurity (RG3). Man For Cos SI 101 has won four races and earned $187,563.

Politiko

Multiple stakes winner Politiko SI 105 joins FUEGO’s Ember Flight as breeders await his first runners in 2028. The son of Favorite Cartel will stand for a 2027 fee of $2,500, with considerations. He is out of Apolitical Pac SI 96, by Apollitical Jess, and his female family traces to the First Down Dash mare Kpax.

Politiko won or placed in 11 of 15 starts and earned $149,946, with victories in the Los Alamitos Two Million Juvenile and Ah Sigh Handicap. He entered stud at Haddad Ranch in 2025 and is owned by J. Haddad, M. Haddad, Ruse Ranch, A. Terrazas and AA Farms.

Also Standing at Haddad Ranch

Drakarys

Drakarys, whose first foals will race in 2027, brings another branch of the Apollitical Jess sire line to the ranch. Purchased for $270,000 at the 2022 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale, he was prevented from racing by a training injury. He is out of stakes-placed Lady Nayen SI 106, by Check Him Out, making him a half brother to Ed Burke Million Futurity (G1) winner Flokie, an earner of $711,819. His second dam, AQHA Dam of Distinction Beat Your Pants Off, produced champions Jumping Tac Flash and Carters Cartel. Drakarys will stand for a 2027 fee of $1,750.

Mystic Paint

AQHA Racing Champion 3-Year-Old Colt Mystic Paint SI 103 will begin his stallion career at Haddad Ranch in 2027. An earner of $353,958, he won the Keokuk Stakes (G3) and Will Rogers Derby Challenge. He is by Pyc Paint Your Wagon and out of multiple stakes winner Jess So Sixy SI 101, by Mr Jess Perry. Mystic Paint is a half brother to Ima Sixy Man, an earner of $166,181.

For breeding contracts or additional information, contact Jorge Haddad at (830) 303-4109 or email jorge@haddadranch.com. Visit Haddad Ranch for more information.

The nation's top Quarter Horse Racing Challenge qualifiers will converge on The Downs at Albuquerque on Saturday, October 17, for the 2026 AQHA Racing Challenge Championship Night, featuring five championship stakes races offering a combined $888,000 in purses.

First post for Saturday's program is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. (MDT), with the five championship races contested as races six through ten, beginning at 8:10 p.m. Five additional undercard stakes are on the program races 1 through 5.

The championship program features the $285,000 AQHA Racing Challenge Championship (G1), $175,000 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship (G3), $150,000 John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship (G2), $150,000 Cox Ranch Distaff Challenge Championship (G1), and $128,000 Q-Racing Video Distance Challenge Championship (G1).

A total of 46 horses have been entered in the five championship events, bringing together qualifiers from across the country to compete for national Challenge honors.

$285,000 AQHA Racing Challenge Championship (G1)

The richest event of the evening, the $285,000 AQHA Racing Challenge Championship (G1), will headline the program as the tenth race, with a scheduled post time of 9:50 p.m.

The 440-yard championship for 3-year-olds and older has attracted a field of ten, led by morning-line favorite Kj Desparado, who has been installed at 5-2.

The 7-year-old gelding by leading sire Apollitical Jess, out of Tres Veses by Tres Seis, will break from post six under jockey Nestor Garcia Jr. for trainer Wesley Giles. He races for John Lee, W. Kathy Lee, and I. Ruben Mares.

Shakers No Secret, a 6-year-old gelding by Five Bar Cartel, is the 7-2 second choice. Trained by Michael Jungers, he will break from post ten with jockey Rodrigo Ramirez Jr. aboard.

Bold N Beautiful, a 4-year-old daughter of Freighttrain B, is listed at 9-2 for trainer John Stinebaugh and jockey Ali Rivera. The Gentry Farms runner will start from post two.

Other contenders include Mysterious Cartel, Hooked N Gone, Stetsonn, Scoops Dynasty, Eagles Up, Shaundas Eagle, and Bee a Freight Train.

$175,000 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship (G3)

The $175,000 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship (G3) will bring together ten 3-year-olds competing at 400 yards in race nine, scheduled for 9:25 p.m.

Margarets Cowboy, a gelded son of leading sire Flying Cowboy 123, has been established as the 5-2 morning-line favorite.

Owned by Bradbury Racing and John Hammes, Margarets Cowboy is trained by John Hammes and will be ridden by Mario J. Ramirez from post four. He is out of Now Margaret, a daughter of Pyc Paint Your Wagon.

Notoryous, a colt by One Famous Eagle, is the 7-2 second choice. The Bobby D. Cox-bred runner races for LA Racing Stables LLC and will be ridden by Juan Pulido for trainer Samuel Mendoza.

Corona Streakin Jess, a son of Corona Cartel, is listed at 9-2 for RDS Legacy Racing LLC, trainer John Stinebaugh, and jockey Ali Rivera.

The remaining field includes The Greek Freek, This Iz My Time, Racket Ridge, Fdd El Jefe, West Southwest, Kr Cartels Calamity, and Jess a Good Angel.

$150,000 John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship (G2)

Ten 2-year-olds will compete in the $150,000 John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship (G2) at 350 yards in race eight, scheduled for 9:00 p.m.

Mysterious Hero, a gelded son of Tarzanito, has been installed as the 5-2 morning-line favorite.

Owned by Luis A. Gonzalez and trained by D. M. Gomez-Barraza, Mysterious Hero will break from post ten under jockey L. Martinez. He is out of Mysterious Night, a daughter of Valiant Hero.

Great Falls, a California-bred filly by Mpshinning, is the 7-2 second choice. Owned by Jerry Stojan, she will be ridden by R. Moreno for trainer M. Brown from post three.

Hardtohock, a gelding by Kiss My Hocks, is listed at 9-2 for owner Marisol Alvarado, trainer Samuel Mendoza, and jockey Juan Pulido.

The field also includes Diamond 123, Bp Jet Liner, Denhawken, Jeg Fascination B, Top Shelve, Kr Apollitical Run, and Shes Qualified.

$150,000 Cox Ranch Distaff Challenge Championship (G1)

Nine fillies and mares will compete in the $150,000 Cox Ranch Distaff Challenge Championship (G1), contested at 400 yards in race seven, with post time scheduled for 8:35 p.m.

Js Freightrain, a 4-year-old daughter of Freighttrain B, has been established as the 5-2 morning-line favorite.

Owned by Marisol Alvarado and trained by Samuel Mendoza, Js Freightrain will break from post six under jockey R. Castro. She is out of As and Js, a daughter of Apollitical Jess.

Catchn Southern Rays, a 4-year-old daughter of Apollitical Jess, is the 7-2 second choice. Owned and bred by Leann J. Burns, she will be ridden by C. R. Esqueda for trainer Stacy Charette-Hill.

Ohana Spirit, a 4-year-old daughter of Tempting Dash, is listed at 4-1 for Gentry Farms, trainer John Stinebaugh, and jockey Ali Rivera.

The remainder of the field includes Flying Bandida, Foxy Cowgirl, Eye the Cartel, Moonys Lil Flicka, Dynastys Girl, and Jolie Laide.

$128,000 Q-Racing Video Distance Challenge Championship (G1)

The championship portion of Saturday's program will begin with the $128,000 Q-Racing Video Distance Challenge Championship (G1), scheduled as race six at 8:10 p.m.

Seven distance specialists will compete at 870 yards, with Handin Out Candy installed as the 5-2 morning-line favorite.

The 7-year-old gelding by Jess Good Candy, out of Ole Auntie Em by Dash Ta Fame, races for Emilio Perez and trainer O. Vargas. A. Sigala has the riding assignment from post three.

Fire Bolt B, a 4-year-old gelding by Bolt of Fire, is the 3-1 second choice. Owned by Tony E. Sedillo and RC Racing LLC, Fire Bolt B is trained by Tony Sedillo and will be ridden by L. A. Valenzuela.

Rock Ya Later, a 6-year-old gelding by Rock Solid Jess, is listed at 7-2 for Rockin J Running Horses and trainer Tammy Johnson.

The remaining starters include Y O Zoomin Ollie, Chickn Hock, Gjr Rooster, and Iam Outta Here.

AQHA RACING CHALLENGE CHAMPIONSHIP NIGHT SCHEDULE

Saturday, October 17, 2026 — The Downs at Albuquerque

UNDERCARD STAKES RACES

Race 1 — 6:05 PM MDT
$40,000 Sandia Stakes — 870 Yards (7 Starters)

Race 2 — 6:30 PM MDT
$40,000 Albuquerque Juvenile Stakes — 350 Yards (11 Starters)

Race 3 — 6:55 PM MDT
$40,000 Downs Fall Quarter Horse Distaff Stakes — 400 Yards (11 Starters)

Race 4 — 7:20 PM MDT
$40,000 Lobo Derby — 400 Yards (11 Starters)

Race 5 — 7:45 PM MDT
$40,000 Casino at the Downs Quarter Horse Stakes — 440 Yards (7 Starters)

AQHA CHALLENGE CHAMPIONSHIP RACES

Race 6 — 8:10 PM MDT
$128,000 Q-Racing Video Distance Challenge Championship (G1) — 870 Yards (7 Starters)

Race 7 — 8:35 PM MDT
$150,000 Cox Ranch Distaff Challenge Championship (G1) — 400 Yards (9 Starters)

Race 8 — 9:00 PM MDT
$150,000 John Deere Juvenile Challenge Championship (G2) — 350 Yards (10 Starters)

Race 9 — 9:25 PM MDT
$175,000 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship (G3) — 400 Yards (10 Starters)

Race 10 — 9:50 PM MDT
$285,000 AQHA Racing Challenge Championship (G1) — 440 Yards (10 Starters)

TOTAL STAKES PURSES: $1,088,000

First Post: 6:05 PM MDT

The AQHA Racing Challenge program provides qualifying opportunities for Quarter Horses competing in regional Challenge races throughout the season, culminating in the national championships.

Saturday's event at The Downs at Albuquerque will showcase competitors across five divisions, including juveniles, 3-year-olds, older horses, fillies and mares, and distance specialists.

The first post is at 6:05 p.m. MDT on Saturday, October 17.

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Jo Rae Burns’ striking gray gelding, Astronomical 123, who was so sharp when finishing third against a field of eight in the Grade 1 Go Man Go Handicap, will look to showcase his quickness once again when he heads a quality group of 10 speedsters in the Azure Three Handicap at 220 yards this Saturday night at Los Alamitos.

Guided by Martin Arriaga for trainer Michael Casselman, the 4-year-old gelding broke second behind Mask Mandate in the Go Man Go in August and commanded the lead for the next 250 yards. Though overtaken in the final stages, the two-time local stakes winner held on gamely to finish third.

In his 2026 debut, Astronomical 123 showcased his rapid-fire speed when winning the $30,000 Independence Day Handicap Stakes at 300 yards on July 5. Those two strong efforts led to Astronomical 123 being offered an invitation to the Grade 1 Robert Boniface Los Alamitos Invitational Championship at 440 yards, but his connections opted to wait for the Azure Three to capitalize fully on his early gear.

Bred in California by Barry and Janice Sather, Astronomical 123 was purchased for $122,000 at the 2023 Heritage Place September Yearling Sale. Out of the prolific five-time stakes-winning mare Singles Cruise, the gelding has compiled four wins from 12 career starts, boosting his lifetime bankroll to $71,574. Astronomical 123 also captured the Town Policy Handicap last November.

Link Newcomb’s 9-year-old great Cattail Cove has enjoyed success in the Azure Three. He won this race in 2022 and finished second in 2025. He also competed in 2023 when posting a rare out-of-the-money finish. Now returning to the Azure Three for the fourth time, the venerable racehorse enters off three strong performances this year. He kicked off his 2026 campaign by winning the Grade 3 Kaweah Bar Handicap, followed by a second-place finish behind AQHA champion and millionaire Lethal Cowboy 123 in the Grade 1 Vessels Maturity, and a third-place finish in the Restricted Grade 1 Spencer L. Childers California Breeders Championship Handicap—a race he won in 2025.

Through 63 lifetime starts, the Steve Burns-bred gelding has repeatedly proven that class is permanent. Cattail Cove has captured nine career stakes while amassing lifetime earnings of $892,905. He has finished in the top three in 41 of his 63 outings, with his 2025 Spencer Childers victory and his runner-up effort in the 2019 Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity ranking among his defining moments.

Cattail Cove will now aim for his second Azure Three victory, as well as his 10th career stakes win at Los Alamitos.

The field will also feature Bogarts Lil Jessie, an earner of over $84,000 in his career, the graded stakes placed runner Invasive, Poderoso, a winner in both of his 2026 starts, the royally bred Epic Wind, plus La Solita, Deluxe Cartel, Turnpike Jammer, and Midnite Smokin.

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