Page 160 - July 2022

RACING NEWS
Ruidoso Derby-G1
KJ DESPARADO
Tby Tracy Gantz
imes have changed for KJ Desparado since he
won the 2021 All American Futurity-G1. Back then, he was the interloper who thwarted Jess Savin Candy’s bid to win the All American Triple Crown. But KJ Desparado hasn’t lost since, proving that he is one talented runner, which he demonstrated again in the $669,025 Ruidoso Derby-G1 on June 11.
“He’s an exceptional horse,” said co-owner John Lee. “He’s a once-in-a-lifetime horse. We’ll never have another one like him.”
Even better, KJ Desparado is a homebred. Lee and his wife, Kathy, bred him in the name of L&I Land & Cattle. They own him with their friend Ruben Mares.
KJ Desparado, favored at 4-5, dominated the 400-yard Derby right from the start. Lethal Avenger, the fastest qualifier, broke in the air and came away last, while KJ Desparado couldn’t have gotten away better for jockey Adrian Ramos. They finished by 2 1/4-lengths in :19.344, earning a 103 speed index.
“He stood real good in the gates and was looking down the track and paying attention,” said John. “When they opened the gates, he was out in front by 1- and then 2-lengths. He had the race under control after about the first 10 yards.”
Ruidoso Downs
$669,025 • 400 yards :19.344 • si 103
APOLLITICAL JESS
si 107
Bred by: Juan Alberto Tirado Lizarraga
Raced to 3 • $1,399,831 14-8(2)-4(2)-0
1,135 f., 111 SW • $51,075,767
MR JESS PERRY si 113
Bred by: Jesse Perry
Raced to 4 • $687,184 21-12(5)-2(1)-0
1,966 f., 159 SW • $59,955,187
Bred by:
L&I Land & Cattle
Raced to 3 $2,390,751 12-8(3)-1-0
APOLLITICAL TIME si 104 Bred by: Vessels Stallion Farm LLC
Raced to 6 • $904,242 35-14(10)-7(2)-5(4)
12 f., 1 SW • $1,527,555
TRES VESES
si 91
Bred by: Lee & Sherwood Racing LLC
Raced to 4 • $7,085
7-0-2-0
8 f., 1 SW • $2,601,452
TRES SEIS si 97
Bred by: Mrs Gwendolyn Eaves Raced to 3 • $856,901 12-6(1)-3(3)-3(1)
1,668 f., 63 SW • $27,039,915
FIRST PLACE KATE
Bred by: Jerry Windham Unraced
10 f., 0 SW • $120,609
158 SPEEDHORSE July 2022
KJ Desparado winning the $669,025 Ruidoso Derby-G1 by 2 1/4-lengths.
Leslie Simmons, Speedhorse
KJ DESPARADO ‘19-g.