Fastest qualifier First Cartel Powwer drew post 1 for Saturday's $100,000 Ruidoso Maiden Stakes (not black type) at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack & Casino.

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By StallioneSearch

RUIDOSO DOWNS, NM—JUNE 10, 2025—Ten qualifiers will return to Ruidoso Downs on Saturday to vie for a six-figure purse in the $100,000 Ruidoso Maiden Stakes (not black type) at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack & Casino.

The 350-yard race, restricted to horses who had not won before the nomination entry, will go as Race 9 with a scheduled post time of 4:28 p.m. (MDT). The lineup includes a mix of promising three, four, and five-year-olds aiming to break through on a major stage.

Among the ten qualifiers, Fdd Jess Speed, listed as the 7-2 morning-line favorite, will break from post 7 for owner Rancho El 48 LLC and trainer James J. Gonzales III.

The 3-year-old gelding by Fdd Dynasty out of the renowned mare Jess Sass Me by Mr Jess Perry was bred in Oklahoma by Speed LLC. A $95,000 purchase from the Heritage Place Yearling Sale, Fdd Jess Speed comes into the final off a determined wire-to-wire score in his June 1 trial, where he defeated fellow qualifier High Plains Jam with a 89 Speed Index.

Fdd Jess Speed has put together a perfect 3-for-3 campaign this season, including allowance and maiden wins at Remington Park, where he earned an 92 Speed Index in May. He will again be partnered with Sergio Becerra Jr., who guided him to the trial win.

Thrillah, the second choice at 9-2, drew post 9 and enters with similarly impressive credentials. Owned and bred in Texas by Curtis Crenwelge, the 4-year-old gelding by multiple stakes sire Kiss My Hocks out of Braggin Bout My Zoom by Shazoom is trained by Wesley T. Giles.

He narrowly missed in his June 1 trial, losing by a nose to First Cartel Powwer with a 93 Speed Index. Thrillah will be ridden by Noe Garcia Jr., who was also aboard for his recent maiden and allowance victories at SunRay Park.

Thrillah has demonstrated versatility and grit, hitting the board in six of nine career starts, and appears poised for a breakthrough win after near misses in two previous outings at Ruidoso Downs.

Breaking from the rail, First Cartel Powwer enters the Ruidoso Maiden Stakes with three consecutive wins and strong recent form, earning the 5-2 morning line.

The 3-year-old gelding by Favorite Cartel out of Girl Powwer by Mr Jess Perry is trained by James J. Gonzales III for Rancho El 48 LLC and will be ridden by champion jockey Ricky Ramirez.

After finishing his 2-year-old campaign with two placings in five starts, he has turned a corner in 2025, going a perfect 3-for-3 this season. Most recently, he held off a surging Thrillah to win his June 1 trial by a nose, earning a 93 Speed Index. Prior to that, he wired allowance and maiden fields at Remington Park with consecutive 93 and 89 Speed Indexes.

First Cartel Powwer appears to be maturing at the right time, and with his inside draw and improving form, he poses a major threat to remain unbeaten on the year

All runners were required to qualify through timed trial heats on June 1, with the ten fastest advancing to Saturday's final. The event is restricted to horses that remained maidens through the trial date, emphasizing the role of late bloomers and emerging talent.

The Ruidoso Maiden Stakes Final offers a compelling mix of speed, pedigree, and ambition, with horses like Fdd Jess Speed and Thrillah looking to transform maiden status into stakes-winning credentials.

With a six-figure purse on the line and improving form across the field, Saturday’s ninth race promises to be a thriller.
 

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