Racing


The Big Favorite Scores Fourth Career Win In The $174,148 La Fiesta Derby - CORRECTION
The Big Favorite, ridden by Adrian Ramos, wins the $174,148 La Fiesta Derby at The Downs at Albuquerque on Sunday

© Coady Photography
The Big Favorite Scores Fourth Career Win In The $174,148 La Fiesta Derby - CORRECTION

ALBUQUERQUE, NM–SEPTEMBER 25, 2022–Steve D. Burns, DVM bred the top three finishers in the $174,148 La Fiesta Derby at The Downs at Albuquerque on Sunday, including The Big Favorite, Alamo Lake and Perfect Practice, respectively.

With a 15 mph head wind, Adrian Ramos guided second fastest qualifier from the trials, The Big Favorite to his fourth career win. The gelding son of Favorite Cartel led the 400-yard stakes race from wire-to-wire and crossed the finish line in :19:349 seconds, clocking an 98 speed index. The duo were favored to win and the victory paid $4.80 on a $2.00 wager.

The Big Favorite, who is conditioned by Wesley Giles, was a finalist in the Rainbow Derby (G1) and Ruidoso Derby (G1) earlier this season. The La Fiesta Derby is his first stakes win and the $87,954 winner’s share upped his pocket book to $146,743. 

The winning connections of The Big Favorite accept the the $174,148 La Fiesta Derby at The Downs at Albuquerque on Sunday.
© Coady Photography

The Big Favorite’s owners Susan and Melvin Neugebauer purchased him for $40,000 is the 2020 Los Alamitos Equine Sale. His dam is New World Record Setter and multiple graded stakes winner Classic Sassy Chic by A Classic Dash.

Fastest qualifier from the trials Alamo Lake, ridden by Sergio Becerra, had just broke his maiden in July and the La Fiesta Derby trial win was his second career victory. The second place finish in the finals brings his lifetime earnings to $71,746. Trainer Ramon Mendoza saddled Alamo Lake for owners Empire Racing. 

Mario Perea and Luis Gonzalez purchased Alamo Lake for $41,000 in the 202o Los Alamitos Equine Sale. Also a son of Favorite Cartel, Alamo Lake is out of multiple blacktype producer No Arizona by Foose

Coming in third was Perfect Practice, with Jacob Enriquez in the irons. The daughter of One Famous Eagle is trained by Armando Alamos and has a race record of 3-3-2 from 10 starts with $52,087 in the bank.

Perfect Practice’s owner Jason Berry purchase her for $35,000 in the 2020 Los Alamitos Equine Sale. Her dam Little Talks by Favorite Cartel is out of the Blue Hen Mare Babe On The Fly.

The remaining order of finish is Apolitical Thunder, Witten 82, J Super Corona, Tempting Dreamgirl, Kj Brandy and Glamazon. Frozen, Runaway Witch and Send Me A Reason V were scratched.

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Albuquerque Downs Racetrack and Casino is located in the heart of Albuquerque at Expo New Mexico, the home of the New Mexico State Fair, and general admission and parking are always free (via the casino entrance on Louisiana and Central). For more information, visit abqdowns.com and click on the "Racing" link at the top of the homepage.