There were no twists or turns in Political Twist’s journey to victory in the Grade 1, $673,950 Los Alamitos Super Derby on Sunday night at Los Alamitos Race Course. Instead, his victory in the 400-yard classic was as straight as an arrow, as the La Feliz Montana Ranch LLC and Ray Willis-owned champion delivered a masterful performance in the 73rd running of California’s richest derby.

Ridden by AQHA champion jockey Luis Martinez for trainer Manuel Rodolfo Rodriguez, Political Twist broke cleanly from post nine to take immediate control, opening a ¾-length lead shortly after the break and continuing strongly to post a ½-length victory over West Texas Racing Partners’ Enforce as the 1-2 favorite in a time of :19.524. Steve Burns, Jose Flores, Gerardo Herrera, and Javier Alvarez’s Brother Ray finished third, followed by Shiny New, Hi Octane, SG Jacob Jay, Famous Talk, Fear My Legacy, Beuteeful, and Doodah Cartel.

Before the start, SG Jacob Jay and Doodah Cartel both knocked their gate stalls open while waiting in the gate, causing a brief delay. Political Twist handled the extra time with poise before delivering his convincing victory.

“We had a really good start and had a big advantage from the break,” winning rider Luis Martinez said. “I felt some pressure from (Enforce), but as soon as I started talking to Political Twist, he responded powerfully. There was a delay before the start, but the good thing is that he waited patiently. I think compared to the trials; he was a lot more relaxed tonight. I’m so happy; winning these types of races has been a dream come true.”

The victory marked Political Twist’s first Grade 1 score in California, adding to his two previous Grade 1 victories in New Mexico. His other Grade 1 derby triumph came in the Rainbow Derby at the Downs at Albuquerque on July 11. Prior to his sophomore campaign, the gelding - sired by Apollitical Jess and out of the Tres Seis mare C Twister Seis - captured the Grade 1 Ruidoso Futurity at Ruidoso Downs and the Grade 2 West Texas Futurity last season.

“These moments are unforgettable,” said Javier Rodriguez of La Feliz Montana Ranch. “It’s been unbelievable, last year and now this year. The past two years have been incredible. It’s so hard to get to these moments, so hard to get to this point. The whole team is unbelievable.

“I was nervous, and I felt some nervous moments there, because there was a delay at the gate. In the end it worked out and he got the win. He’s a terrific athlete. I think for the horse, the delay helped him. Instead of him getting more anxious, it settled him down. He was ready to go and broke excellently. It was a great group of horses out there. It was tough. Enforce ran a good race.”

The Super Derby win might be the most important achievement to date for the New Mexico-bred, as it earned him presumptive berth into the prestigious Grade 1 Champion of Champions at Los Alamitos on Saturday, December 12. His stablemate, AQHA World Champion FDD Dreams, captured the Champion of Champions last year, and Political Twist now looks firmly established as one of the early favorites for the 440-yard classic.

“It’s always hard for 3-year-olds to compete with the older horses,” Rodriguez added. “The Champion of Champions is at 440 and that’s going to be a little tougher for him. We’ll see how he comes out and hopefully everything is good and we’ll be ready for the Champion of Champions.”

Political Twist entered the Super Derby final off a brilliant trial victory on October 18, where he opened a one-length lead early and dominated while setting the fastest qualifying time (:19.573). He executed a similar blueprint in the final, improving his Southern California record to three wins from four local starts.

Now a winner of 11 of 14 career starts, the 2025 AQHA Champion Two-Year-Old Gelding earned $269,619 for the win to boost his lifetime earnings to $1,940,778, ranking him 19th on the all-time Quarter Horse earnings list. The MJ Farms-bred runner won six of eight starts during his freshman campaign and has added five wins from six starts as a sophomore for $802,348 in 2026 earnings. That figure ranks Political Twist as the nation’s second-leading money earner this year, trailing only undefeated All American Futurity winner Cowboys Flying ($2,068,793).

“For my family, this is the best thing,” Rodriguez added. “We do this as a family. We enjoy it and these are some of the best moments of my life.”

Ridden by Jesus Rios Ayala for trainer Chris O’Dell, Enforce earned $109,132 for his runner-up effort at odds of 17-1. Named the AQHA Champion Two-Year-Old Colt last year, the son of Favorite Cartel out of Remember Me Rose improved his career bankroll to $758,896. Bred by Steve Burns, Enforce won the Grade 1 Golden State Million Futurity at Los Alamitos last season.

Brother Ray, ridden by Irving Lara for trainer Jose Flores, banked $77,034 for his third-place finish. Also bred by Steve Burns, the Favorite Cartel gelding out of stakes winner Tac Out was sent off at 15-1 odds.

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Separatist SI 101, a three-time AQHA Racing Champion and one of the Quarter Horse racing industry's most influential sires, died Sunday, November 8, at the Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction (LACER) in Opelousas, Louisiana. The legendary gray stallion was 29.

A son of Chicks Beduino out of the Hempen mare Seperate Ways, Separatist distinguished himself as an exceptional racehorse before establishing a remarkable breeding career that spanned more than two decades. His offspring have earned more than $26.5 million, while his influence as a broodmare sire has extended his legacy into succeeding generations of Quarter Horse racing champions.

Stephen Deville, stallion manager at LACER, paid tribute to the stallion and the opportunity to care for him during his final years.

"Separatist is a once-in-a-lifetime stallion, and any farm would be honored to be associated with him in any capacity," Deville said. "He is truly one of the foundation stallions whose influence helped shape the Quarter Horse racing industry we know today."

"I cannot thank his owners enough for entrusting us with his care and allowing me to be part of his remarkable legacy during his final years. He will have a special place at the front of our stallion barn, beneath the big oak tree, where he can look out over the generations of stallions that follow, each hoping to fill the enormous shoes he leaves behind."

A Champion on the Racetrack

Bred in California by Edward C. Allred, Separatist was campaigned by Rod and Jackie MacPherson Jr. and trained by John L. Cooper.

He compiled an outstanding record of 16 wins, three seconds, and one third from 24 starts, earning $889,044 during his two-year racing career.

As a 2-year-old in 1999, Separatist won eight of 13 starts and earned $599,931. His victories included the Governor's Cup Futurity (G1) and California Sires' Cup Futurity (G2). He also finished second in both the Los Alamitos Million Futurity (G1) and Golden State Futurity (G1).

His accomplishments earned him the title of AQHA Racing Champion Two-Year-Old Colt.

Returning at three in 2000, Separatist continued his dominance, winning eight of 11 starts and adding $289,113 to his career earnings.

His sophomore campaign included victories in the Golden State Derby (G1), Governor's Cup Derby (G1), PCQHRA Breeders' Derby (G2), Z Wayne Griffin Director's Stakes (G3), and Jet Deck Handicap.

He was named both AQHA Racing Champion Three-Year-Old and Champion Three-Year-Old Colt, completing a career that earned him three national championship titles.

A Remarkable Legacy at Stud

Separatist entered stud at Burns Ranch in 2001 and developed into one of the industry's most consistent sires of stakes winners, champions, and major futurity and derby performers.

According to statistics updated November 3, 2026, Separatist sired 1,779 foals of racing age from 23 crops to race, including 1,264 starters, 794 winners, 70 stakes winners, and 97 stakes-placed runners.

His offspring have accumulated $26,539,214 in earnings, averaging $20,996 per starter.

Among his most accomplished offspring was DM Shicago SI 104, the 2004 AQHA Racing World Champion and winner of $1,873,730. Out of the Special Leader mare Leading Sensation, DM Shicago captured the All American Futurity (G1), All American Derby (G1), Rainbow Derby (G1), and Ruidoso Derby (G1), establishing himself among the most successful runners of his generation.

Another standout was Moonist SI 101, a multiple AQHA Racing Champion who earned $878,468 while winning 24 races. Out of the First Down Dash mare Your First Moon, Moonist captured the Golden State Derby (G1), Los Alamitos Winter Championship (G1), Robert L. Boniface Los Alamitos Invitational Championship (G1), and Spencer L. Childers California Breeders Championship (G1).

Separate Bet SI 107, out of Better Bet On Me by First Down Dash, earned $799,481 and captured the Rainbow Derby (G1) and Remington Park Invitational Championship (G1), among other major stakes victories.

Inseperable SI 96, another champion son of Separatist, earned $672,756 while winning the All American Derby (G1) and Rainbow Derby (G1). The stallion, out of A Delightful Legacy by First Down Dash, was named AQHA Racing Champion Three-Year-Old and Champion Three-Year-Old Colt.

Other prominent offspring included Seperate Interest SI 98 ($486,761), Divide The Cash SI 105 ($448,643), Separatist Firstdown SI 109 ($436,117), Myst Fit SI 97 ($258,379), Ajs Anna Smoke SI 93 ($249,119), and Strong Hope SI 95 ($209,395).

Beyond the earnings and stakes victories, Separatist's ability to sire championship-caliber runners across multiple generations helped establish him as a lasting influence in the breed.

An Influential Broodmare Sire

Separatist's influence extended well beyond his direct offspring.

As of November 9, 2026, daughters of Separatist had produced runners credited with more than $33.3 million in earnings, placing him 16th among the all-time leading Quarter Horse broodmare sires by money earned.

Separatist is the sire of the dams of 99 stakes winners, further establishing his influence on succeeding generations of Quarter Horse racing champions. Among the leading runners out of his daughters were Matabari SI 104, an AQHA Racing Champion and Grade 1 winner of $1,410,471; Chance To Excel SI 104, a Grade 1 winner of $458,515; Sir Louisiana Dash SI 106, a restricted Grade 2 winner of $406,715; Black Fryday SI 98, a Grade 2 winner of $369,940; Chance To Fire SI 101, an earner of $348,986; and Rock Ya Later SI 104, a Grade 2 winner.

His record as a maternal grandsire included 1,563 starters and 909 winners, illustrating the continuing importance of his bloodlines in the modern Quarter Horse racing industry.

He was also ranked 23rd among all-time leading sires by money earned, reflecting his sustained success as a sire over more than two decades.

A Distinguished Female Family

Separatist was a son of the legendary Chicks Beduino SI 104, the influential sire of numerous champions and major stakes winners.

His dam, Seperate Ways SI 92, by Hempen, was named the 2000 AQHA Broodmare of the Year and was also recognized as an AQHA Dam of Distinction.

Her outstanding produce record included champion Separatist, champion Way Maker SI 103 ($617,444), and Make It Anywhere SI 91 ($409,733).

Way Maker captured the Dash for Cash Futurity (G1) and Golden State Futurity (G1), while Make It Anywhere won the PCQHRA Breeders' Futurity (G1) and PCQHRA Breeders' Derby (G2).

The family became one of the most recognizable and successful female lines in California Quarter Horse racing, with generations of mares producing numerous stakes winners and influential breeding prospects.

His Legacy Will Continue

Separatist stood his final years at the Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction in Opelousas, where he was owned by a syndicate.

Although his passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Quarter Horse breeding history, his genetic influence will continue through his sons, daughters, and succeeding generations.

LACER has confirmed that frozen semen remains available, allowing breeders an opportunity to continue utilizing his bloodlines.

For Deville and those who cared for Separatist, his legacy will also have a permanent place at the farm, beneath the large oak tree overlooking the stallion barn.

It is a fitting tribute to a horse whose accomplishments on the racetrack, success as a sire, and influence on generations of champions have secured his place among Quarter Horse racing's most respected stallions.

For additional information about Separatist's available frozen semen, contact the Louisiana Center for Equine Reproduction at (337) 407-0708 or visit www.laequine.com.

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All-time leading money-earning Quarter Horse Kj Desparado added another Grade 1 victory to his remarkable career Saturday night, holding off a determined Stetsonn by a neck in the $290,375 AQHA Racing Challenge Championship (G1) at The Downs at Albuquerque.

The 7-year-old gelding, sent off as the 6-5 favorite, completed the 440 yards in 21.063 seconds, earning a 98 speed index over a fast racing surface while facing a 4-mph headwind.

Ridden by Noe Garcia Jr. for trainer Wesley T. Giles, Kj Desparado broke sharply from post six, established an early advantage, and maintained a narrow lead through the stretch. Under a strong drive, the veteran champion turned back Stetsonn's challenge to secure the $133,573 winner's share.

The victory increased Kj Desparado's career earnings to $3,617,850, further extending his position as the richest racing American Quarter Horse in history.

Owned by John Lee, Kathy Lee, and Ruben Mares, Kj Desparado is a 7-year-old brown gelding by leading sire Apollitical Jess out of Tres Veses, by Tres Seis. He was bred in Arizona by L&L Land & Cattle.

Saturday's victory improved his career record to 19 wins, 11 seconds, and one third from 38 starts.

Kj Desparado's extraordinary racing career includes victories in the All American Futurity (G1), Texas Classic Futurity (G1), Ruidoso Derby (G1), All American Derby (G1), Texas Classic Derby (G1), All American Gold Cup (G1), and two editions of the Refrigerator Championship (G1), among other major stakes.

His latest championship triumph added another prestigious title to a career that has spanned five racing seasons and established him among the sport's all-time greats.

Stetsonn, a 4-year-old gelding by champion Jess Good Candy, turned in a determined runner-up performance, finishing a neck behind the winner and earning $58,075.

Breaking from post seven under champion jockey James A. Flores, Stetsonn raced prominently throughout, dueling with the winner before narrowly missing in the final strides.

Trained by Dean R. Frey for owners G. R. Carter Jr. and Shaena Carter, Stetsonn is a home bred for the Carters. He is out of Stella Lou, by One Famous Eagle.

Stetsonn was an $18,000 RNA at the 2023 Ruidoso Yearling Sale.

The gelding has compiled five wins and one second from 10 career starts, with earnings of $201,029. His accomplishments include a victory in the Remington Park Championship Challenge Stakes (G2), along with finalist appearances in the Ruidoso Derby (G1) and Remington Park Derby (RG1).

Scoops Dynasty completed the trifecta, finishing another half-length behind Stetsonn to earn $29,038 for owner Edward J. McNelis.

The 7-year-old gelding, ridden by Jacob Enriquez for trainer Diego Cervantes, raced in fourth early before advancing into third and holding that position by a neck.

Bred by Edward J. and Von Zae McNelis, Scoops Dynasty is by five-time world champion sire FDD Dynasty out of Bye Sweet Girl, by Dashin Bye.

An accomplished Grade 1 winner himself, Scoops Dynasty has earned $844,725 from 36 career starts, recording 11 wins, nine seconds, and four thirds.

His stakes victories include the AQHA Racing Challenge Championship (G1), two editions of the Go Man Go Handicap (G1), Los Alamitos Winter Derby (G1), and Golden State Derby (G2).

Hooked N Gone finished fourth, a neck behind Scoops Dynasty, followed by Mysterious Cartel in fifth, Bold N Beautiful in sixth, Eagles Up in seventh, Bee A Freight Train in eighth, Shaundas Eagle in ninth, and Shakers No Secret in tenth.

The championship highlighted Saturday night's AQHA Racing Challenge Championship program at The Downs at Albuquerque, bringing together some of the nation's most accomplished older Quarter Horses.

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A competitive field of 10 three-year-old Quarter Horse fillies is set to contest the inaugural $66,000-added Horseshoe Indianapolis Oaks Final on Thursday, November 12, at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

The 350-yard championship, scheduled as Race 10 with a 6:09 p.m. (EST) post time, brings together the 10 fastest qualifiers from three trials contested October 21. The first running of the Oaks gives three-year-old fillies another opportunity to compete for significant stakes money during the closing weeks of the Indiana racing season.

Seven Beaches, Sydney Jack, and HH Shakem Cate enter the final as the three trial winners, while stakes winner Suzys Kristine and high-priced Heritage Place graduate Cynter of Attention add depth to the championship field.

Seven Beaches, a daughter of Escondido Beach, recorded the fastest qualifying time of :17.387 in the third trial, narrowly defeating Suzys Kristine. The Indiana-bred gray filly is owned by Pamela Brickley Hann and trained by Anthony F. Cunningham. Luz D. Martinez, who guided her to victory in the trials, retains the mount from post position two.

Bred by Shelly A. Chavis, Seven Beaches is out of Eyem Sixes, by Sixes Liaison. She has compiled four wins, one second, and three thirds from 15 career starts, earning $89,253.

Seven Beaches has been a consistent performer throughout the 2026 season, including a third-place finish in the $124,000 QHRAI Stallion Service Auction Derby on August 29. She also crossed the wire second in the Sterlie Bertram Memorial Stakes on October 7 before being disqualified and placed fifth.

Sydney Jack, a four-time winner trained by Tim Eggleston, captured the opening Oaks trial in :17.556, defeating Sauce C by a half-length.

The Texas-bred daughter of second-crop sire Dulce Sin Tacha races for Jordan Timm, Gabi Timm, and Gordon L. Timm. Rolando D. Pina, who was aboard for her trial victory, has the riding assignment from post eight.

Bred by Mary and Jack W. Evans Jr., Sydney Jack is out of Caldonia Rose, by First Down Dash. She was a $12,000 Heritage Place graduate and has earned $69,568 from four wins, three seconds, and one third in 12 career starts.

Sydney Jack has won three of six starts this season, including a 400-yard derby trial on August 8. She also captured a qualifying trial for the QHRAI Stallion Service Auction Derby earlier in the year.

HH Shakem Cate, another daughter of Escondido Beach, won the second Oaks trial in :17.591, defeating Candy Spice by a neck.

Owned by Brisa Alia Ventura Hernandez and trained by Jessica A. Vazquez, the Indiana-bred sorrel filly will break from post nine with Fernando Morin aboard.

Bred by Larry Carter and John Myers, HH Shakem Cate is out of Shakem Jake, by Royal Shake Em. A $25,600 QHRAI Speed Sale graduate, she has earned $70,353 from five wins and one second in eight career starts.

HH Shakem Cate has won three races this season, including the fastest qualifying trial for the Blue River Derby on June 30. She subsequently finished second in the $127,000 Blue River Derby on July 18.

Suzys Kristine, who finished a close second to Seven Beaches in the fastest Oaks trial, enters the championship with stakes-winning credentials.

The daughter of multiple stakes sire One Fabulous Eagle captured the $34,000 Julie Veltman Stakes on August 29 by an impressive 1 3/4 lengths and finished second in the Paul Martin Overnight Stakes on August 4.

Owned and trained by Jessica A. Vazquez, Suzys Kristine will be ridden by Giovani Vazquez-Gomez from post 10.

Bred in Texas by Marshall S. Wier, the bay filly is out of Suzy Cartel, by Corona Cartel. A $10,000 Heritage Place graduate, she has earned $51,428 from two wins, two seconds, and two thirds in eight starts.

Another contender is Cynter of Attention, a daughter of leading sire Favorite Cartel who was purchased for $475,000 at Heritage Place.

Owned by LCI, LLC (Elizabeth A. Cornell) and trained by Joseph D. Davis, the California-bred filly finished third behind HH Shakem Cate and Candy Spice in her October 21 trial.

Bred by Steve D. Burns, DVM, Cynter of Attention is out of Remember Me Rose, by Corona Cartel. She has earned $41,156 from three wins, three seconds, and one third in 16 career starts.

Cynter of Attention won a trial for the Bluegrass Derby at Sandy Ridge in August and was runner-up in the Indiana Distaff Challenge Stakes on September 15. Irving Moncada will ride from post five.

The Oaks field also includes Sauce C, a daughter of leading third-crop sire Chilitos who finished second to Sydney Jack in her trial. Owned by William F. Collins and trained by Anthony F. Cunningham, the Texas-bred filly won the $30,000 Governors Juvenile Stakes at Horseshoe Indianapolis last October. Saul Lopez will ride from post three.

Candy Spice, a daughter of champion Jess Good Candy, finished second to HH Shakem Cate in her trial. The $11,000 Heritage Place graduate races for AJK Racing Stables, LLC (Jose M. Chavez Jr.) and is trained by Sacramento Chavez. Hugo Macias will ride from post four.

Completing the field are Keep Her Off Tequila, Kissin N Memphis, and Remember Da Queen.

The complete field for the Horseshoe Indianapolis Oaks Final, with post positions, trainers, and jockeys, is:

1. Keep Her Off Tequila — Tim Eggleston — Yovani Flores-Munoz
2. Seven Beaches — Anthony F. Cunningham — Luz D. Martinez
3. Sauce C — Anthony F. Cunningham — Saul Lopez
4. Candy Spice — Sacramento Chavez — Hugo Macias
5. Cynter of Attention — Joseph D. Davis — Irving Moncada
6. Kissin N Memphis — Jessica A. Vazquez — Cristian Penaloza
7. Remember Da Queen — Tim Eggleston — Luis E. Luna Diaz
8. Sydney Jack — Tim Eggleston — Rolando D. Pina
9. HH Shakem Cate — Jessica A. Vazquez — Fernando Morin
10. Suzys Kristine — Jessica A. Vazquez — Giovani Vazquez-Gomez

Mi Blood Token, trained by Tim Eggleston, is listed as the lone also-eligible.

The inaugural Horseshoe Indianapolis Oaks Final offers a $66,000-added purse, with nomination and sustaining payments added to the final distribution. The winner will receive 55 percent of the total purse.

The Oaks will be contested Thursday, November 12, as Race 10, with post time scheduled for 6:09 p.m. (EST).

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