Millionaire Kj Bad Moon Rising will head five trials for the $500,000-est. New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Derby on Saturday's race card.

© Ernesto Salinas, Jr. / StallioneSearch

By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott

ALBUQUERQUE, NM–SEPTEMBER 16, 2025–Forty-nine sophomores line up in five trial heats for the New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Derby, each set at 400 yards. With an estimated purse of $500,000 awaiting in the October 12 final, the state’s best-bred three-year-olds will look to stamp their ticket with a top-ten qualifying time.

The spotlight will fall on Kj Bad Moon Rising, the highest money earner in the trials with more than $1.1 million in career earnings. Bred and owned by John and Kathy Lee, the gelding by Kj Mucho Macho Man has been a consistent force since his juvenile season. His record includes a victory in the 2024 (G2) New Mexico State Fair Futurity and a runner-up finish in the (G1) $3 Million All American Futurity, one of the sport’s most prestigious events.

With five wins from eleven starts, he enters Saturday as the one to beat. Trained by Wesley T. Giles, Kj Bad Moon Rising will start from post two in the third trial with Noe Garcia, Jr. aboard.

Among those looking to challenge him is Woody Rocks, a $25,000 purchase from the Ruidoso New Mexico-Bred Sale who has proven to be a bargain for owner CHR Racing. The Woodbridge gelding, bred by MJ Farms, has six victories from eleven starts and opened his three-year-old campaign in winning fashion in the (G2) $90,000 New Mexico Horse Breeders Association Stakes.

As a juvenile, Woody Rocks upset Kj Bad Moon Rising in the (G1) $368,000 Zia Futurity, showing he has the talent to beat the best. Trained by Tony Sedillo, he will break from post eight in the second heat with Christian Ramos in the irons.

Another major player is Harken, the morning-line favorite in the fourth trial. The son of Eye Am King has put together a strong three-year-old campaign with four wins since February, highlighted by his victory in the (G3) $158,000 West Texas Derby.

A $145,000 purchase from the Ruidoso New Mexico-Bred Sale, Harken races for Alepony, LLC, and has already amassed $368,887 in earnings. Trained by Salvador R. Soto, he will start from post four with Noe Garcia, Jr. guiding him.

With depth spread across all five divisions, this year’s Derby trials promise to be highly competitive. From proven millionaires like Kj Bad Moon Rising to rising stars such as Woody Rocks and Harken, the field reflects the continued strength of the New Mexico-bred program. Only the ten fastest times will advance, setting the stage for a thrilling estimated $500,000 final on October 12 at Albuquerque Downs.

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

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