Big Ted Leads Tungsten Racing Partnership Exacta in $1,061,369 New Mexico State Fair Futurity(RG1)

Big Ted delivered a commanding performance Sunday afternoon at Downs at Albuquerque, capturing the $1,061,369 New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Futurity(RG1) by 1½ lengths and leading a one-two finish for Tungsten Racing Partnership in the richest race on the New Mexico State Fair racing program.

Ridden by Sergio Becerra, Jr. for trainer Omar Vargas, Big Ted covered the 400 yards in 19.428 seconds, earning a 93 speed index over a fast racing surface while facing a 17-mph headwind.

Despite bumping at the break and drifting during the race, the two-year-old bay gelding took command early and drew clear to secure the $536,003 winner's share of the purse.

Bred in New Mexico by Jaime Cervantes, Big Ted is a son of multiple stakes sire Tf Im That Guy out of Shez Jessa Scooter, by Heza Motor Scooter.

Sunday's victory improved Big Ted's career record to six wins, one second, and one third from eight starts, with earnings climbing to $665,792. His previous stakes accomplishments included a victory in the Zia Juvenile Stakes, a runner-up finish in the New Mexico Breeders' Futurity(RG2), and a third-place effort in the New Mexican Spring Futurity(RG2).

Big Ted returned $4.80 to win as the second wagering choice.

Stablemate Baby Daddy Cartel completed the Tungsten Racing Partnership exacta, finishing second by 1½ lengths while holding a three-quarter-length advantage over third-place finisher Bigg Twist.

The two-year-old gelding, also trained by Omar Vargas, was ridden by Noe Garcia, Jr. After veering and bumping at the break, Baby Daddy Cartel continued gamely to secure the $214,408 runner-up award.

Bred by Paul P. Cervantes, Baby Daddy Cartel is by leading New Mexico sire Big Daddy Cartel out of Startedwithawhisper, by First Moonflash.

The talented gelding now owns five wins, two seconds, and one third from eight career starts, with earnings of $475,622. His stakes record includes victories in the Mountain Top New Mexico Bred Futurity(RG2) and New Mexican Spring Fling, along with a runner-up finish in the Zia Futurity(RG1).

Bigg Twist rallied to finish third, earning $128,650 for owners La Feliz Montana Ranch, LLC and Rancho El 48, LLC.

Trained by Manuel Rodolfo Rodriguez and ridden by Jose Luis Enriquez, the two-year-old gelding improved his position during the race to secure third, finishing three-quarters of a length behind Baby Daddy Cartel and 1½ lengths ahead of the fourth-place finisher.

Bred by MJ Farms, Bigg Twist is another son of Big Daddy Cartel, out of C Twister Seis, by Tres Seis.

Bigg Twist was a $250,000 purchase at the 2025 Ruidoso New Mexico Bred Yearling Sale.

With Sunday's third-place finish, his career record stands at three wins, two seconds, and one third from nine starts, with earnings increasing to $207,020. He was previously a finalist in the Zia Futurity(RG1), Mountain Top New Mexico Bred Futurity(RG2), and New Mexican Spring Futurity(RG2).

Bogarts Brown Sugar finished fourth, followed by Royal Pour Tf in fifth, Karolyn in sixth, Sonuva Butch in seventh and The Judicator in eighth. Jess A Corona Dash and Royal Dynasty Mrb were scratched.

The New Mexico State Fair Quarter Horse Futurity featured a $1,061,369 purse, with $250,000 contributed by the New Mexico Horse Breeders' Association.

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