Cousins Face Each Other in All American

Krash Cartel and BP Cartels Alibi are running for the Villareal family.

By Amy Owens
Q-Racing Journal
September 3, 2012

The Villareal family has two rooting interests in today's $2.4 million All American Futurity (G1) at Ruidoso Downs. Gilbert Villareal, 24, is the principal owner of Krash Cartel, the Rainbow Futurity (G1) runner-up who is the race's third-fastest qualifier. His cousin Raymundo, 19, owns BP Cartels Alibi, the Heritage Place Futurity (G1) winner who was supplemented to the All American for $50,000 and became the co-seventh fastest qualifier to the race. The two horses – both colts by Corona Cartel – represent the first horses the Villareals have started in the Futurity trials.

“This has been a big year because we have four really good horses,” said Gilbert, who lives in Mission, Texas, and is studying pre-veterinary medicine at Texas A&M University-Kingsville as is Raymundo. “We just can't ask for more. We've got two horses in the All American. Our first year coming to the All American; it's great.”

The Villareal family, who owns a construction business, has been involved in American Quarter Horse racing for some 15 years. The family has raced in Mexico, including at the Hipodromo de las Americas in Mexico City, and has competed in the United States for the past five years. The Villareals keep 25 broodmares on their ranch at Mission and own a 15,000-acre cattle ranch across the border in Mexico. They stand Specially Alluring, a Grade 1-placed winning son of First Down Dash, at Scarlett Hill Farm in Weatherford, Texas.

Krash Cartel, whose second dam is 1996 All American Futurity runner-up and champion Speedy Empress, was bred in Texas by Bollenbach Farms. Lazy E Ranch consigned the colt to last year's Ruidoso Select Yearling Sale, where the Villareals' Los Primitos purchased him for $72,000. He is trained by John Stinebaugh.

Blane Wood trains BP Cartels Alibi, who was bred in Oklahoma by Bill Price. Lazy E, agent for Price, consigned the colt to the Heritage Place Select Yearling Sale, where he was purchased for $40,000.

In the All American, Krash Cartel will break from post 7 with Rodrigo Vallejo. Ricky Ramirez will ride BP Cartels Alibi, who drew post 9.

“I am really nervous,” said Gilbert. “I got here Thursday. I haven't been to the barn until today (Sunday). I knew if I went to the barn, I'd be nervous as hell. I was there about two hours ago – saw the horse, stayed with him for a little while. He's doing great. I've never seen him this way. He's feeling good, doing good. I think we've got a big shot. All we need is just a little luck.”

Fans can watch the All American Futurity – and many other races – free of charge at www.qracingvideo.com. Q-Racing Video provides unlimited access to live and replay simulcast race video of most American Quarter Horse tracks in the United States and Canada. For complete coverage of All American week at Ruidoso Downs, visit www.aqharacing.com. Read the September issue of the Q-Racing Journal, the digital publication covering American Quarter Horse racing, for full post-race analysis, at www.aqharacing.com, and find us on Facebook (Q-Racing) or Twitter (@AQHARacing).