Effortless Favorite, under Francisco Ramirez, Jr., fought off Jc Speeding by a nose to capture the $200,000 All American Juvenile on Monday at The Downs at Albuquerque

© Coady Media

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

ALBUQUERQUE, NM–SEPTEMBER 1, 2025–Effortless Favorite added another major trophy to his resume on Monday afternoon, scoring his second career stakes victory in the $200,000 All American Juvenile Stakes at the Downs at Albuquerque.

Breaking on top, the bay gelding never relinquished command, holding off the late charge of Jc Speeding in a photo finish by a nose. Under jockey Francisco Ramirez, Jr., he completed the 440-yard race in 21.269 seconds, earning a 95 speed index. The minor upset returned $14.20 to win at odds of 6-1 and awarded his connections $84,000.

Effortless Favorite has now won five of six lifetime starts with one runner-up finish, boosting his bankroll to $455,138. Earlier this season, the son of leading sire Favorite Cartel captured the Grade 1 Heritage Place Futurity.

The connections of Effortless Favorite accept the All American Juvenile winning trophy at the Downs at Albuquerque on Monday. © Coady Media

Bred in Oklahoma by Wallace Johnson, he is out of the Corona Cartel mare Swingin Cartel. Efffortless favorite is conditioned by Jason Olmstead for owners Tom Maher, Richard L. Tobin, and Bill Maher

Runner-up Jc Speeding, a sorrel colt by Chilitos, finished just a nose back under James Flores. Trainer Dee Keener saddled the son of leading sophomore sire Chilitos for owner Planefun LLC. The double-registered AQHA/APHA colt stopped the clock in 21.273 seconds with a matching 95 speed index.

Bred in Oklahoma by Richard Joneson, Jc Speeding is out of High Speed Kitty by High Rate of Return. He has lit the board in all six career starts, including victories in the Grade 1 Speedhorse Graham Paint & Appaloosa Futurity and the Grade 2 Victoria Ennis Memorial.

Flying Chance earned his first black type with a third-place finish under jockey Francisco Calderon for owner JC and CF, LLC. James Gonzales III conditions him.

Bred in Texas by Tyler & Naia Graham, the sorrel gelding is by Flying Cowboy 123 and out of Little Affection by Jodys Money Pop. He finished a neck behind the runner-up in 21.372 seconds with a 93 speed index, earning $20,000 to boost his bankroll to $39,865.

The top three finalists all went through the sales ring. Effortless Favorite was a $67,000 purchase at the 2024 Heritage Place Yearling Sale. Jc Speeding went through the same sale for $13,000, while Flying Chance brought $185,000 at the 2024 TQHA Yearling Sale.

Its a Good Valentine, Mr High Five, Ms Famous Corona, Expenssive Boots, Stanleys Salty Prize, B Aj, and Merkaba completed the order of finish.

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