Daddys China, a daughter of Big Daddy Cartel, battled through a contested start before rallying late to defeat favored Shafer by a neck in Sunday's $100,000 New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Juvenile Stakes (R) at The Downs at Albuquerque.

Ridden by Sergio Becerra Jr. for trainer Omar Vargas, Daddys China covered the 400 yards in 19.615 seconds, earning an 88 speed index over a fast racing surface while facing a 20-mph headwind.

The gray filly, owned by Tungsten Racing Partnership and Fierro EJ Racing Stables, LLC, overcame contact at the break and prevailed after a determined stretch battle with Shafer, who finished 1¼ lengths ahead of third-place finisher Imma Dandy.

Daddys China earned $59,000 for the victory, improving her career record to two wins, two seconds, and one third from seven starts, with earnings of $115,700.

Bred in New Mexico by MJ Farms, Daddys China is out of the Rushago mare Ima China Rush. She was purchased for $42,000 at the 2025 Ruidoso New Mexico-Bred Yearling Sale.

The victory marked another significant stakes performance for Daddys China, who previously finished third in the Zia Futurity (RG1) and qualified for the Mountain Top New Mexico-Bred Futurity (RG2).

Shafer, the 9-5 favorite, broke sharply and dueled for the lead throughout before being caught in the final strides. The son of Big Daddy Cartel earned $20,000 for his runner-up finish, increasing his career earnings to $54,766.

Christian Cardenas rode the two-year-old gelding for trainer Rodolfo G. Valles. Shafer races for Triple R Racing Stables, LLC, Tye Baca, Tungsten Racing Partnership, and Ted Rushing.

Also bred by MJ Farms, Shafer is out of the Jesse James Jr mare Astica. He commanded $350,000 at the 2025 Ruidoso New Mexico-Bred Yearling Sale.

Shafer entered Sunday's race with three victories from five starts, including an All American Futurity trial win, and was a finalist in the Mountain Top New Mexico-Bred Futurity (RG2). His updated record stands at three wins and one second from six starts.

Imma Dandy, a son of Prospect To The Top, finished third, another neck ahead of Acrylic, after participating in the early battle before giving way late.

Ridden by Oscar Andrade Jr. for trainer David M. Gomez-Barraza, the two-year-old gelding collected $10,000, increasing his career earnings to $113,543.

Imma Dandy races for Scott Branson and Jimmy Vasquez and was bred in New Mexico by Jimmy and Angela Vasquez. He is out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Jess Saying.

Offered at the 2025 Ruidoso New Mexico-Bred Yearling Sale, Imma Dandy was a $17,000 RNA.

The consistent gelding entered the race following a runner-up finish in the Mountain Top New Mexico-Bred Futurity (RG2) and a finalist appearance in the Zia Futurity (RG1). His updated career record stands at three wins, one second, and three thirds from eight starts.

Completing the field, Acrylic finished fourth, followed by Big Morning Breeze in fifth, Je American Dream in sixth, Sand and Sea in seventh, and Dahlias Destiny in eighth.

Big Avery, Bridger, Super Patriot, and Suspicious Rizzler were scratched.

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With the 2026 racing season entering its final months, Golden Boi, Cyber Monday, and Kj Mucho Macho Man have emerged as the respective leaders among AQHA's first-, second-, and third-year sires by money earned, highlighting a group of young stallions beginning to establish themselves in the Quarter Horse breeding industry.

Burns Ranch's Golden Boi holds a commanding advantage among first-year sires with $1,403,417, while Lazy E Ranch's Cyber Monday leads a much tighter second-year race with $2,909,300. Among third-year sires, Haddad Ranch's Kj Mucho Macho Man tops the standings with $2,051,613.

The three divisions also showcase the continuing influence of some of the breed's leading sire lines. Golden Boi and Cyber Monday are both sons of Favorite Cartel, while Kj Mucho Macho Man is by Apollitical Jess.

Following is a closer look at the Top 10 sires in each of the three young-sire divisions through October 4.

Golden Boi Holds Commanding Lead Among 2026 First-Year Sires

Burns Ranch stallion Golden Boi has established a commanding advantage among AQHA's leading first-year sires by money earned in 2026, becoming the only freshman sire to surpass $1 million in progeny earnings through October 4.

Golden Boi, a 2019 son of Favorite Cartel, leads the first-year sire standings with $1,403,417 in progeny earnings, more than $1.1 million ahead of his nearest rival.

The Burns Ranch stallion has been represented by 72 starters and 32 winners, both easily the highest totals among the Top 10 first-year sires. His first crop has also produced one stakes winner.

Leading the way for Golden Boi is El Huracano V, whose $632,670 in earnings accounts for nearly half of his sire's total progeny earnings.

Sitting second is Cox Stallion Station's Inspyre, a 2019 son of Corona Cartel. Inspyre has progeny earnings of $284,082 from nine winners among 21 starters. His leading earner is Nuclear Arsenal at $132,220.

Only $12,456 separates second and third in the freshman sire standings.

Dunn Ranch's In Hott Pursuit, a 2019 son of One Famous Eagle, ranks third with $271,626. He has been represented by 43 starters and 17 winners, with Zazas Hasta Luego leading his runners at $30,652.

Docs Dusty Cartel, a 2019 son of Coronado Cartel standing at Charette-Hill Racing, occupies the fourth position with $173,006. Despite having only seven starters, he has sired three winners. His leading earner, Whiskey Doc, has banked $138,813.

Fly The Coup, a 2018 son of Favorite Cartel, rounds out the Top 5 with $140,263. Five of his six starters are winners, giving him the highest winner-to-starter percentage among the Top 10 first-year sires. Flashin Firefly leads his runners with earnings of $64,397.

Spring Hill Farms' Ajs Tres Of Paint, a 2019 son of Apollitical Jess, ranks sixth with $106,931. He has three winners from 13 starters and is one of only three stallions in the Top 10 to have sired a stakes winner. Jc Perseus is his leading earner at $39,833.

Speed Dynasty, a 2018 son of FDD Dynasty, is seventh with $72,079. He has three winners from seven starters, including stakes winner Eclipse 2024, his leading earner at $29,754.

WestWin Farms' Smithworks, a 2019 APHA son of Painted Turnpike, ranks eighth with $61,486. He has three winners from 12 starters, led by Turning Point Usa at $11,941.

Zerlotti Genetics Ltd.'s El Tartanero Jess, a 2018 son of Apollitical Jess, occupies the ninth position with $52,306. He has had only two starters, including winner First Tartanero Jess, who has earned $48,890.

Completing the Top 10 is La Feliz Montaña Ranch stallion Elmer, a 2018 son of FDD Dynasty. His 12 starters have produced two winners and earnings of $50,643, led by Thats Amoree at $18,998.

Favorite Cartel and Apollitical Jess each have two sons represented among the Top 10. Favorite Cartel is represented by leader Golden Boi and fifth-ranked Fly The Coup, while Apollitical Jess is represented by Ajs Tres Of Paint and El Tartanero Jess. FDD Dynasty also has two sons on the list in Speed Dynasty and Elmer.

With the final months of the racing season still ahead, Golden Boi has established himself as the clear leader of the 2026 freshman sire class, fueled by a deep first crop and the standout performance of El Huracano V.

Cyber Monday Leads Tight 2026 Second-Crop Sire Race Over Dulce Sin Tacha

Cyber Monday continues to hold the top spot among AQHA's leading second-year sires by money earned in 2026, but Dulce Sin Tacha remains within striking distance as the young stallions head into the final months of the racing season.

According to statistics updated October 4, Cyber Monday, a 2018 son of leading sire Favorite Cartel standing at Lazy E Ranch, leads the second-crop standings with $2,909,300 in progeny earnings.

Cyber Monday has been represented by 180 starters and 74 winners this year, including three stakes winners. His leading earner is Fall Classic, who has earned $530,970.

Sitting just $241,340 behind the leader is Granada Farms' Dulce Sin Tacha, whose runners have earned $2,667,960 this season.

The 2018 son of Jess Good Candy has had 115 starters, 47 winners, and a division-leading five stakes winners. His chief earner, Gf Shes Sinful, has banked $708,275.

The numbers illustrate a distinctly different profile for the two leading second-crop sires. Cyber Monday holds the advantage in total starters, winners, and earnings, while Dulce Sin Tacha has produced more stakes winners from fewer starters.

There is a sizeable gap between the top two and the rest of the division.

Eagles Fly Higher, a 2016 son of One Famous Eagle standing at Louisiana Center For Equine Reproduction, ranks third with $636,252. He has sired 22 winners from 64 starters and two stakes winners, led by Eagle On a June Bug with earnings of $115,870.

Another Louisiana Center For Equine Reproduction stallion, Hes Innocent, occupies the fourth position. The 2018 son of Hes Relentless has 20 winners from 37 starters, two stakes winners and progeny earnings of $560,932. Er Innocent Party is his leading earner at $124,850.

Spring Hill Farms' San Lorenzo rounds out the top five with $521,740. The 2018 son of Coronas Leaving You has been represented by 23 winners from 82 starters and one stakes winner. Fullmoonovrmanhattan, with $34,400, is his leading earner for 2026.

Burns Ranch stallion Mental Error, a 2017 son of Favorite Cartel, ranks sixth with $383,528. His 60 starters have produced 14 winners and one stakes winner, with Ca Mental Cartel leading his runners at $52,640.

B Cause Im A Hero, standing at Anderson Equine, LLC, is seventh with $264,694 from only 14 starters. The son of Valiant Hero has five winners and one stakes winner, headed by Mw Bcause Im Alive at $106,149.

H Bar O LLC's Pa Cha Ching, by Tempting Dash, ranks eighth with $220,695 despite having only five starters. Two are winners, including stakes winner Karma Cha Ching, whose $135,490 represents more than half of his sire's 2026 progeny earnings.

Kiss Me Anywhere, a son of Kiss My Hocks, is ninth with $187,831. He has three winners from seven starters, led by stakes winner Rebas First Kiss at $101,194.

Completing the Top 10 is Anderson Equine, LLC's Love The Way You Fly. The 2017 son of Furyofthewind has six winners from 17 starters, one stakes winner and progeny earnings of $142,817. Fly Like the Witch is his leading earner at $28,380.

With nearly three months remaining in 2026, Cyber Monday and Dulce Sin Tacha have established a commanding advantage over the rest of the second-crop sire class, setting up a two-stallion race for the year's leading second-year sire title.

Kj Mucho Macho Man Leads 2026 Third-Crop Sire Standings

Kj Mucho Macho Man has surpassed the $2 million mark in progeny earnings to lead AQHA's third-year sires by money earned in 2026, holding a $316,529 advantage over fellow Apollitical Jess son Chilitos as the season enters its final months.

According to statistics updated October 4, Kj Mucho Macho Man, a 2017 son of leading sire Apollitical Jess standing at Haddad Ranch, leads the third-crop standings with $2,051,613 in progeny earnings.

Kj Mucho Macho Man has been represented by 82 starters and 34 winners this year, while his six stakes winners are the most among the Top 10 third-year sires. His leading earner is Kj Meduzza, who has earned $605,092.

Sitting second is Dunn Ranch's Chilitos, another 2017 son of Apollitical Jess, whose runners have earned $1,735,084 this season.

Chilitos has been represented by 120 starters and 49 winners, both the highest totals among the Top 10, along with four stakes winners. His chief earner, Chile Gato, has earned $260,965.

Uncle D, a 2017 son of Corona Cartel standing at Cavenaugh Quarter Horses, ranks third with $1,429,647. He has 45 winners from 115 starters and one stakes winner. Uncle Redheads, with earnings of $87,923, is his leading 2026 earner.

Robicheaux Ranch Inc.'s Gold Heart Eagle V occupies the fourth position with $1,122,408 in progeny earnings. The 2017 son of One Famous Eagle has been represented by 112 starters, 43 winners and two stakes winners. Valiant Heart Z leads his runners with $91,443.

Tell Cartel, a 2017 son of Favorite Cartel standing at Fales Ranch, rounds out the Top 5 with $1,097,863. His 72 starters have produced 35 winners and four stakes winners, led by Point Blank Range with earnings of $189,413.

The standings tighten considerably between fourth and fifth, with just $24,545 separating Gold Heart Eagle V and Tell Cartel.

Burns Ranch stallion Mpshinning, a 2016 son of Mr Piloto, ranks sixth with $736,847. He has produced 24 winners from 42 starters and three stakes winners. Zionsville is his leading earner at $73,450.

Jess Different, a 2017 son of Mr Jess Perry standing at Cox Stallion Station, is seventh with $501,560. He has 15 winners from 32 starters and two stakes winners, headed by Hes Cross Firing at $68,931.

Bolt Of Fire, a 2015 son of Walk Thru Fire, ranks eighth with $280,830. The deceased stallion's 43 starters have produced 11 winners and one stakes winner, with Fire Bolt B leading his runners at $73,119.

Wright Farms' Phq Apollitical Jess gives his sire Apollitical Jess a third representative among the Top 10 third-crop sires. The 2017 stallion ranks ninth with $239,300 from six winners and 35 starters. His lone stakes winner and leading earner, Paddy Powers, has earned $64,119.

Completing the Top 10 is EG High Desert Farm's A Mere Felix, a 2017 son of Favorite Cartel. He has 13 winners from 28 starters, including two stakes winners, and progeny earnings of $228,173. Favorite Jesshawk is his leading earner at $56,910.

Kj Mucho Macho Man's position atop the standings is strengthened by both his $2 million-plus progeny earnings and his division-leading six stakes winners. However, with nearly three months remaining in 2026, Chilitos remains within striking distance as the two sons of Apollitical Jess battle for the year's leading third-year sire title.

Apollitical Jess also has a significant presence throughout the third-crop standings, with three sons—Kj Mucho Macho Man, Chilitos, and Phq Apollitical Jess—among the Top 10. Favorite Cartel is represented by two sons, Tell Cartel and A Mere Felix.

Statistics through October 4, 2026.

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Js Freightrain took command in mid-stretch and held sway to win the $28,143 Cox Ranch AQHA Distaff Challenge (G3) Sunday afternoon at Will Rogers Downs.

Ridden by Ruben Castro, Js Freightrain completed the 400 yards in :19.516, earning a 104 speed index. The 4-year-old filly defeated Flying Bandida by 1 1/2 lengths, with Carpe Diem Baby another 1 3/4 lengths back in third.

Js Freightrain is trained by Samuel Mendoza for owner Marisol Alvarado. Bred in Oklahoma by Leonardo Alcala, she is by Freighttrain B and out of champion As And Js, by Apollitical Jess. She is a half-sister to Js On Fire ($265,454), winner of the Boyd Morris Stakes (RG2), and As Moonflash ($135,859), winner of the Retama Championship Challenge (G3).

The victory improved Js Freightrain's record to nine wins, two seconds and two thirds from 18 starts. The $13,790 winner's share boosted her career earnings to $297,843.

Earlier this season, Js Freightrain scored back-to-back stakes victories in the Easy Date Stakes (G2) and Rocky Heinzig Stakes.

Flying Bandida and jockey Ramiro Garcia finished second for owners Shari Burger and Vickie McBee and trainer Jason Olmstead. The 4-year-old filly chased the winner and gained ground late but could not close the gap.

Bred by Shari Burger, Flying Bandida is by Flying Cowboy 123 and out of the PYC Paint Your Wagon mare Meaningful Memories. Coming off a runner-up finish in the Prairie Meadows Distaff Challenge (G3), she now has a record of 26-6-8-3 with earnings of $220,581. She opened her 2026 campaign with a victory in the Decketta Stakes (G2).

Carpe Diem Baby, a $9,000 TQHA Yearling Sale graduate, finished third under Ruben Delarosa Jr. for owner/breeders Shane and Brooke Snow and trainer Janessa Muniz. The 3-year-old filly broke alertly and vied along the inside before yielding to the top two.

By Buzzinga and out of the Separatist Baby mare Baby Separatist, Carpe Diem Baby now has a record of 13-1-3-2 with earnings of $25,703. Still in search of her first stakes victory, she was a finalist in the Sam Houston Oaks earlier this season.

Aj Gold Player, Alliekat Dynasty, Fly N Cowgirl and Socially Fun completed the order of finish.

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An exciting afternoon of championship racing awaits at Albuquerque Downs on Sunday, with New Mexico-bred Quarter Horses taking center stage in a nine-race program featuring three major stakes events totaling $850,000.

The afternoon will be highlighted by the Grade 1 $1.2 million-est. New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Futurity, the $425,000-est. New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Derby, and the $100,000-est. New Mexico State Fair Q.H. Juvenile Stakes.

The ninth and final race will bring together ten talented 2-year-olds competing for Grade 1 honors in the $1.2 million-est. New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Futurity. The finalists earned their spots in the September 24 trial heats and will return to battle over 400 yards at approximately 5:10 p.m.

Big Ted enters the championship finale as the 5-2 morning-line favorite, carrying a three-race winning streak and the fastest qualifying time into the highly anticipated showdown. The gelding delivered a commanding gate-to-wire performance in his trial, drawing clear by 3 1/4 lengths and establishing himself as the one to beat.

Big Ted has already put together an impressive juvenile campaign, highlighted by a win in the $50,000 Zia Juvenile Stakes, a runner-up finish in the Grade 2 New Mexico Breeders Futurity, and a third-place finish in the Grade 2 New Mexico Spring Futurity. In seven career starts, he has recorded five victories, one second, and one third, earning $129,789 for Tungsten Racing Partnership.

Bred in New Mexico by Jaime Cervantes, Big Ted is a son of Tf Im That Guy and out of the Heza Motor Scooter mare Shez Jessa Scooter. Trainer Omar Vargas will saddle the gelding from post six, with jockey Sergio Becerra, Jr., aboard as the pair aims to add a Grade 1 championship to his growing résumé.

The excitement continues in the eighth race with the $425,000-est. New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Derby, where ten 3-year-olds will compete over 400 yards at approximately 4:40 p.m. The finalists secured their spots in the September 19 trials, setting the stage for a competitive championship featuring some of the state's leading sophomore runners.

King Estate leads the Derby field as the 5-2 morning-line favorite, returning after a determined trial victory that showcased his ability to overcome adversity. Despite a slow start, the gelding rallied with a strong late run to prevail by a head, posting the third-fastest qualifying time.

King Estate has been remarkably consistent throughout his sophomore campaign, finishing in the top three in all five starts this season and recording three victories, including the Grade 2 $204,000 Zia Derby. His career record now stands at four wins and $150,127 in earnings for owners Lifes A Dream Farm and Racing, LLC, who purchased him for $43,000 at the Ruidoso New Mexico-Bred Yearling Sale.

The New Mexico-bred gelding is by Eye Am King and out of the First Down Dash mare Curlie Cue. Bred by MJ Farms, King Estate is trained by Rodolfo G. Valles and will break from post two, with regular rider Christian Cardenas returning to the saddle. The pair will aim to continue their successful partnership with another major Derby victory.

The championship action kicks off in the seventh race with the $100,000 New Mexico State Fair Q.H. Juvenile Stakes, scheduled for approximately 4:10 p.m. The 400-yard event features ten 2-year-olds who competed in the Futurity trials but finished outside the top ten qualifying positions, giving them another chance to compete for a significant stakes title.

Bridger headlines the Juvenile Stakes as the 3-1 morning-line favorite, returning after a strong runner-up finish in his trial. Despite being bumped during the race, the gelding battled gamely before being outfinished by Bogarts Brown Sugar, and he earned the fastest qualifying time among the Juvenile Stakes entrants.

Bridger has already established himself as an accomplished stakes performer this season, winning the Grade 2 $389,000 New Mexico Spring Futurity. The gelding has finished in the top three in all five of his career starts and has earned $222,164 for Tungsten Racing Partnership, which purchased him for $155,000 at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale.

Bred in New Mexico by MJ Farms, Bridger is a son of Eye Am King and a Blushing Bug mare, Bridgette Bordeaux. Trainer Omar Vargas will send the talented juvenile from post four, with jockey Jose E. Ortiz taking the reins as Bridger seeks another major stakes victory.

With $850,000 in stakes purses on the line, Sunday afternoon promises an outstanding showcase of New Mexico's homegrown racing talent. From promising juveniles looking to establish themselves among the state's elite to accomplished sophomores seeking another championship, the New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Stakes program will bring together some of the season's most competitive runners for an exciting afternoon at Albuquerque Downs.

The races at Albuquerque Downs can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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