The Rainbow Derby brings together an exceptional group of sophomores, led by AQHA Champion 2-Year-Old Gelding Political Twist, the 3-1 morning-line favorite.

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By LouanneWainscott, StallioneSearch

ALBUQUERQUE, NM–JULY 10, 2026–Saturday evening at Albuquerque Downs kicks off the highly anticipated Rainbow Finale weekend with a 10-race program starting at 6:05 p.m. The second jewel of Quarter Horse racing's Triple Crown takes center stage, with the spotlight on the Grade 1 $1,000,000 Rainbow Derby, the Grade 1 $350,000 Rainbow Oaks, and the $100,000 Rainbow Invitational Stakes.

The Grade 1 Rainbow Derby and Grade 1 Rainbow Oaks will feature the 10 fastest qualifiers from the June 28 trial heats, and both championship races will be contested at 440 yards. The Rainbow Oaks is scheduled as the seventh race at approximately 8:35 p.m., while the Grade 1 $1,000,000 Rainbow Derby headlines the evening in race nine, with an expected post time of approximately 9:25 p.m.

The Rainbow Derby brings together an exceptional group of sophomores, led by AQHA Champion 2-Year-Old Gelding Political Twist, the 3-1 morning-line favorite. The talented gelding opened his 2026 campaign with an impressive trial victory despite a troubled start, overcoming a bump at the gate before drawing clear to post the fastest qualifying time.

Political Twist put together a remarkable juvenile season, capturing the Grade 2 West Texas Futurity and the Grade 1 Ruidoso Futurity before finishing second in the Grade 1 All American Futurity. He also qualified for the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity, cementing his standing among the nation's elite juveniles. With seven wins in nine career starts, he has earned $1,144,230 for La Feliz Montana Ranch, LLC., which purchased him for $150,000 at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale.

The son of Apollitical Jess, out of the Tres Seis mare C Twister, was bred in New Mexico by MJ Farms. Daniel R. Ruiz Amaya trains the standout, who will break from post five with Luis Martinez aboard.

Second choice Jarvis V is listed at 7-2 after another consistent campaign. He overcame early interference to rally and win his trial by a neck, posting the second-fastest qualifying time. Earlier this season, he finished third in the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Winter Derby and then finished second in the Grade 1 Ruidoso Derby.

Owned by Valeriano Racing Stables, LLC., the gelding has recorded two wins, five seconds, and three thirds, earning $191,961. Purchased for $260,000 at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale, the son of Apollitical Jess out of the Big Daddy Cartel mare Donelli was bred in New Mexico by MJ Farms. Raymond G. Valerio saddles Jarvis V, who will leave from the rail under Francisco Calderon.

The Grade 1 Rainbow Oaks features another outstanding sophomore-filly cast, led by 7-5 morning-line favorite Toby Sis.

The accomplished daughter of Favorite Cartel enters off an impressive front-running trial victory, drawing away by three-quarters of a length to post the fastest qualifying time. Earlier this season, she qualified for the Grade 2 Heritage Place Oaks after overcoming a troubled start. Her championship credentials were established as a juvenile with victories in the Grade 2 PCQHRA Breeders' Futurity and the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity.

Toby Sis has won seven of nine career starts, earning $890,360 for Valeriano Racing Stables, LLC. Bred in California by Edward C. Allred, she is out of the Walk Thru Fire mare London Laura. Raymond G. Valerio trains the talented filly, who will start from post five with jockey Francisco Calderon.

Lined up just outside the favorite is 9-5 second choice Gf Shes Sinful. The filly finished second to Toby Sis in their trial, chasing the favorite throughout. Prior to the trials, she delivered one of the season's most impressive performances, defeating the colts and geldings in the Grade 1 Ruidoso Derby by a commanding one-length margin.

Owned by All In Partners, which purchased her for just $50,000 at the Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale, Gf Shes Sinful has won five of seven starts and earned $361,456. The daughter of Dulce Sin Tacha is out of the Foose mare Bf Fooserageous and was bred in Oklahoma by Kevin A. Birrell. Wesley T. Giles conditions the filly, who will break from post six under jockey Noe Garcia Jr.

The undercard also features the $100,000 Rainbow Invitational Stakes in race six at approximately 8:10 p.m. The event brings together talented 3-year-olds who narrowly missed qualifying for the Rainbow Derby Final.

Cyber Blues heads the field as the 3-1 morning-line favorite after finishing third in his trial by a half-length following a clean effort. The gelding entered the trials off a fourth-place finish in the Grade 2 Heritage Place Derby and previously qualified for the Grade 1 Texas Classic Futurity during his juvenile campaign.

Owned by Rancho El 48, LLC., Cyber Blues has earned his opportunity through consistent effort throughout his career. The son of Cyber Monday, out of the Walk Thru Fire mare Mystic Blues, was bred in Oklahoma by L O S, LLC., and Abelardo Gallegos. Rodolfo G. Valles trains the gelding, who will leave from post six with Christian Cardenas aboard.

Rainbow Finale weekend has long been one of Quarter Horse racing's most anticipated celebrations, traditionally drawing horsemen and fans to Ruidoso in hopes of seeing a rainbow stretch across the mountains. Although this year's championship races move to Albuquerque Downs, the excitement remains the same. Under the Saturday night lights, the sport's top sophomores will compete for three prestigious stakes victories, setting the stage for another memorable chapter in Rainbow racing history.

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

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