Racing


Toby Sis Scored An Upset To Win The Los Alamitos $2 Million Futurity
Toby Sis, ridden by Francisco Calderon, won the Los Alamitos $2 Million on Sunday.

© William Zuazo

Toby Sis Scored An Upset To Win The Los Alamitos $2 Million Futurity

By Leann Noguera, StallioneSearch

LOS ALAMITOS, CA–DECEMBER 14, 2025–Toby Sis sprang a major surprise on Sunday night at Los Alamitos, delivering her first stakes victory in the $1,929,825 Los Alamitos $2 Million Futurity-G1.

Toby Sis, one of only two fillies in the field of ten, stopped the clock in 19.559 seconds while earning a 95 speed index over 400-yards. Ridden by Francisco Calderon, her 11-1 upset returned $25.20 to win on a $2.00 wager.

“She stood great. She left the gate a little behind and got bumped on both sides, but then she started to gear up. Around halfway through the race she began to lug out, and I knew it was a concern because she did it in the trials. It’s something we need to work on—we’ll make an adjustment, probably with the bit. I couldn’t really ride her; I had to guide her. This is the second time it’s happened,” said Francisco Calderon.

Away in midpack early, Toby Sis powered through traffic and held sway in a dramatic finish to win by a head at the wire. The winner races for Samm Valeriano of Valeriano Racing Stables LLC and is trained by Jesus Nunez.

“I can’t tell you how I feel. It’s just awesome. I won it in 2023 with Train Station V, now to win it with her (Toby Sis), I am just so damned happy, that’s all I can say,” said owner Sammy Valeriano.

The winning connections of Toby Sis accept the $1.9 Million Los Alamitos $2 Million Futurity-G1 trophy Sunday. © William Zuazo/Los Alamitos

She was bred in California by Edward C Allred out of London Laura, by Walk Thru Fire. A $45,000 repurchase at the 2024 Los Alamitos Equine Sale, the daughter of leading sire Favorite Cartel now owns a record that includes five wins and one second from six starts.

Sunday’s victory added $799,187 to her bankroll, boosting her lifetime earnings to $856,187.

“This one means more because my wife and kids are here, and I do everything for them. Thank God they were here, thank God for Him, and thank God for the victory,” Calderon continued.

Aj Remember Me finished second, beaten by a head, after bumping behind horses at the start and dueling late to come up second best. The sorrel colt, ridden by Edwin Escobedo, competes for owner Corinna Sosa and trainer Kelly Castaneda.

Aj Remember Me was bred in California by Rancho El Cabresto Inc out of Remember Robyn, by Tres Seis. The son of Apollitical Jess was a $120,000 purchase at the 2024 Heritage Place Yearling Sale.

He has started six times with three wins, one second, two thirds and $449,745 in earnings. Aj Remember Me was third in the Ruidoso Futurity-G1 and the Ah Sigh Handicap Stakes earlier this season.

Jess Im Worth It was disqualified from third to ninth for interference nearing the sixteenth pole, setting Hi Octane up for third, a head behind Aj Remember Me. Jose Nicasio rode the sorrel gelding for owner Keith Nellesen and trainer Kristen Watanabe.

Hi Octane is a son of Apollitical Jess out of Valiantinecandyrocks, by Valiant Hero. . Bred in Utah by Lance & Tammy Finlinson, he brought $60,000 at the 2024 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale. From seven starts, Hi Octane has three wins, one second and three thirds with $247,859 in earnings. He previously placed third in the Los Alamitos Juvenile Challenge Stakes.

The remaining order of finish was Beuteeful, Enforce, Brother Ray, Political Twist, Surprise Temptation, Jess Im Worth It, and Whos The V.

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