The Downs at Albuquerque will host the Grade 2 $50,0000 Q-Racing Video New Mexico Distance Challenge Stakes on Saturday's race card.

© Coady Media

By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott

ALBUQUERQUE, NM–SEPTEMBER 16, 2025–The spotlight at Albuquerque Downs on Saturday, September 20, will shine on the (G2) $50,000-added Q-Racing Video New Mexico Distance Challenge Stakes, carded as race six on the program. A compact but competitive field of five older horses will contest the 870-yard distance, with not only the purse on the line but also an automatic berth into the AQHA Distance Challenge Championship (G1) on October 18 at Albuquerque Downs.

Leading the field as the 9-5 morning line favorite is Volcoms Favorite, a six-year-old gelding by Jess Good Candy out of Volcoms Delight (by Volcom), bred in Oklahoma by George P. Mitchell II. A seasoned campaigner, Volcoms Favorite is a six-time winner, including a victory in this very race last year—the (G2) $60,000 Lip Chip LLC AQHA Distance Challenge. He later returned to contest the (G1) $119,000 Lip Chip LLC AQHA Distance Challenge Championship Stakes. Racing for Nove Racing, LLC, the gelding is trained by James J. Gonzales III and will break from post two under jockey Irwin J. Rosendo, aiming to defend his title and punch his ticket back to the finals.

Looking to spoil the favorite’s repeat bid is Handin Out Candy, another six-year-old gelding by Jess Good Candy, this one out of Ole Auntie Em (by Dash Ta Fame), bred in Alabama by Paris Wixon. Handin Out Candy has compiled six wins and career earnings of $155,883, racing for owner Emilio Perez, who purchased him for $20,000 at the Heritage Place Sale. Trained by Paul Sedillo, he will break from post three with Omar Iturralde in the saddle, making his first attempt at earning black-type credentials in the distance division.

With a championship berth on the line and two proven contenders at the forefront, Saturday’s Distance Challenge is set to deliver a strategic battle of stamina and speed over the demanding 870 yards.

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

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Would you like more industry news delivered directly to your inbox? Click here to sign up.