King of the Tide, the AQHA Racing World Champion and winner of the $3 million All American Futurity, returns Saturday at The Downs at Albuquerque to begin his three-year-old campaign in the Mountain Top NM Bred QH Derby trials.

© Coady Media

By Louanne Wainscott, StallioneSearch

ALBUQUERQUE, NM–MAY 27, 2026–New Mexico breeders will be in the spotlight Saturday afternoon at The Downs at Albuquerque as some of the state’s most accomplished homebred runners return for an exciting day of stakes action. The ten-race card features six trial heats for the estimated $150,000 Mountain Top NM Bred QH Derby, with fifty-four talented sophomores set to battle at 350 yards for a chance to qualify for the finale. The afternoon will conclude with the $75,000-added Jess Burner Stakes, giving fans a full day packed with proven New Mexico stars.

Headlining the opening trial is AQHA Racing World Champion King of the Tide, who begins his three-year-old campaign as the 5-2 morning-line favorite. The accomplished gelding returns to the state where he built one of the most memorable juvenile seasons in recent New Mexico history. During his two-year-old season, he won four races, including the Restricted Grade 2 Mountain Top NM Bred QH Futurity and the prestigious $3 million All American Futurity, establishing himself as one of the nation’s elite juveniles.

The sophomore enters Saturday with earnings of $1,595,087 for owners E. Gene Bradley, Tod Bradley, and Ware Brown, who purchased him for $130,000 at the Ruidoso New Mexico Bred Sale. After a sharp bullet workout at Remington Park, King of the Tide ships into Albuquerque, appearing ready for his derby debut.

The son of Eye Am King is out of the Ocean Runaway mare Ms Riptide and was bred in New Mexico by MJ Farms. Trainer Trey Wood will saddle the champion from post nine, with regular rider Ricky Ramirez aboard, as the accomplished duo looks to secure another major futurity and derby appearance.

Another standout sophomore appears in the fourth trial as Eddy Cartel enters as the 5-2 morning-line favorite. The talented gelding was flawless in his juvenile campaign, going undefeated in four starts and capturing the Grade 2 $1,158,003 New Mexico State Fair QH Futurity. His perfect record and powerful performances helped him reach career earnings of $639,559 for owner Paul E. Blanchard.

Bred in New Mexico by Eduardo P. Mendoza, Eddy Cartel is a son of Big Daddy Cartel, out of the Bodacious Dash mare Em Bodacious Chick. Trainer James J. Gonzales III will saddle the gelding from post eight, with regular rider Joseph Belloc Jr. returning to the irons.

The Mountain Top Derby trials showcase the depth and strength of New Mexico’s breeding program, as accomplished stakes winners, million-dollar earners, and rising stars compete for a return trip to the rich derby final.

After the six trial heats, attention shifts to the $75,000-added Jess Burner Stakes at 400 yards, scheduled for about 4:50 PM. The talented older horses will add another layer of excitement to the afternoon, led by the accomplished Rc Corona King.

Installed as the 5-2 morning-line favorite, the six-year-old gelding enters in top form after winning two of his three starts this season, including the Grade 3 West Texas Maturity Stakes. He also finished second in the Grade 1 Sunland Park Championship Stakes and has become one of New Mexico’s most consistent older runners. Throughout his career, Rc Corona King has compiled ten victories, six runner-up finishes, and four thirds, while earning $757,880.

The son of Eye Am King is out of the Deefirst mare Classyoddsofdeefirst and was bred in New Mexico by Baldemar L. Parra. Racing for owner Jose R. Riojas, the veteran gelding will break from the rail under regular rider Sergio G. Dominguez, with trainer Gerardo Quinonez.

With champions, undefeated stakes winners, and millionaire runners all set to compete, Saturday’s card at Albuquerque promises to be a celebration of New Mexico breeding at its finest. Fans and bettors alike can expect a thrilling afternoon as the state’s top horses continue to chase their next major victory.

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

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