Electrifying Cowboy, under jockey Luis Flores-Garcia, posted a 4-1/2 length win to set the fastest qualifying time for the Grade 1 $820,168 Ruidoso QH Derby Sunday afternoon at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack & Casino.

© Coady Media

By H. David Smith, StallioneSearch

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—MAY 25, 2025—A field of 72 hopefuls competed across 10 trial heats at Ruidoso Downs Sunday afternoon, all seeking one of 10 coveted spots in the $820,168 Grade 1 Ruidoso Quarter Horse Derby final.

Leading the way with the fastest qualifying time was Electrifying Cowboy, who posted a swift 19.759 in the day’s ninth race.

The Flying Cowboy 123 colt, bred in Texas by Paragon Farms LLC, is owned by Tungsten Racing Partnership and Ronald L. Sugamosto.

"We’re blessed to have purchased this horse, " co-owner Marcelino Gonzales said in the winner’s circle. "I found the horse at Paragon Farms and made a partnership with Ronald Sugamosto. We’re very fortunate. "

Trained by Ramon Mendoza and ridden by Luis Angel Flores-Garcia, Electrifying Cowboy broke alertly and quickly separated from the field, finishing 4-1/2 lengths in front in a dominant performance.

Fdd Dreams, under jockey Luis Martinez, posted the second fastest time while winning trial 7 by 2-3/4 lengths on Sunday at Ruidoso Downs. © Coady Media

Out of Corona Carmelita, by Corona Cartel, Electrifying Cowboy picked up his fourth consecutive win, which included the Southwest Juvenile Invitational Stakes(G2) and the La Fiest Futurity(G3).

Pushing his earnings total to $326,536, he was also a finalist in the All American Futurity(G1) and the West Texas Futurity(G2) at 2. Electrifying Cowboy paid $5.20, $3.20, and $2.80.

Second-fastest qualifier Fdd Dreams turned in an eye-catching win in the seventh trial, covering the 400 yards in 19.839 under jockey Luis Martinez.

The son of FDD Dynasty out of Treasured Dreams by Apollitical Jess was never threatened, opening up by daylight early and coasting home nearly three lengths in front.

Hardtokatch defeats fellow qualifier Little Vaquero in the fourth trial on Sunday at Ruidoso Downs. © Coady Media

La Feliz Montana Ranch LLC bred and owns the New Mexico-bred gelding, who Xavier Rodriguez trains.

Fdd Dreams extended his win streak to three while making his first starts since capturing the Grade 1 Texas Classic Futurity at Lone Star Park last November. Also, second in the Rainbow QH Futurity and third in the All American Futurity, he has earned $876,801.

Fdd Dreams' powerful stride and command of the field placed him firmly among the top threats heading into the June 7 final.

The third-fastest time of the day belonged to Hardtokatch, who delivered a sharp wire-to-wire victory in the fourth trial with a time of :19.870. The gelded son of Tempting Dash out of Hardtoget by Foose was hustled from the rail post and held firm through the lane despite mild pressure.

Owned by JSM Quarter Horses LLC and Alcala Ranch LLC, Hardtokatch was bred in Texas by Louis A. Malechek III. Cristian Alcala conditions the runner, with Juan Pulido handling the riding duties. After winning his only start at two, an allowance at Remington Park a year ago, his connections gelded him.

Flying Cowboy 123 dominated the trials with three qualifiers, followed by FDD Dynasty with two.

CLICK HERE for the 10 Ruidoso QH Derby finalists list, with times, sires, dams, owners, breeders, and trainers.

The second 10 fastest qualifiers from today's trials are preferred invites to the $100,000 Ruidoso QH Invitational that will also be run back on Saturday, June 7. CLICK HERE for those horses.

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