Jockey Luis Martinez guides Political Twist to victory in Saturday's 65th running of $365,271 Grade 2 West Texas Futurity at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

© Coady Media

SUNLAND PARK, NM—APRIL 5, 2025—Jockey Luis Martinez guided Political Twist to a romping victory in Saturday's 65th running of $365,271 Grade 2 West Texas Futurity at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

Trained by Xavier Rodriguez for owners La Feliz Montana Ranch, LLC, Political Twist broke alertly from the gate and quickly sped to the lead, inching clear in the final yards to win by more than a length.

The clock stopped in a final time of 15.13 seconds for 300 yards, ? speed index into a 13 mph crosswind. Political Twist is a $150,000 Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale graduate.

The winning connections of Political Twist accepting the West Texas Futurity stakes trophies and saddles at Sunland Park on Saturday. © Coady Photography

Bred in New Mexico, the 2-year-old son of leading sire Apollitical Jess was an impressive debut winner and the fastest qualifier for the West Texas Futurity when trials were held here on March 16. Leading breeder MJ Farms bred the winner from the Tres Seis mare C Twister Seis, a stakes winner and finalist in the Rainbow Derby(G1) at Ruidoso Downs.

A perfect 2-for-2 in his career, Political Twist has earned more than $177,000.

Political Twist is the second consecutive West Texas Futurity winner for both jockey and trainer. Last year, Martinez guided Painted Eclispe to victory in this same race.

Political Twist walks into the West Texas Futurity winner's circle on Saturday afternoon. © Coady Photography

Sent off as the prohibitive post-time favorite at odds of 1-to-2, Political Twist returned $3 to win. Faust finished second, prompting a $2 exact, which paid $16.40.

Another Apollitical Jess bred by MJ Farms, Faust, finished second to earn $65,749 for owner Alepony, LLC. Trainer Jesus Soto tapped leading jockey Bryan Candanosa to ride the gelding out of champion mare Astica by Jesse James Jr. The $165,000 Ruidoso Select graduate broke his maiden in the March 16 trials while setting the fourth fastest time.

Its A Good Valentine, a $90,000 Ruidoso Select graduate, finished third for owners J and SM, Inc. and Ross Roark. Fred Danley conditions the Jess Good Candy gelding out of Valiantinecandyrocks by Valiant Hero. Lance and Tammy Finlinson bred Its A Good Valentine in Utah. He earned $40,180 for the effort.

Texas Pharaoh, Ag Cyber King, Allegiant Air, Ring Of Fyre, Ring A Ling Ding, Flyin, and The Diesel Train completed the field.