4-year-old filly: Markmelauras. Owner, Ernie Turner, trainer Dan Morgan
Older mare: Salsa Express; Sue Morgan, Dan Morgan
3-year-old colt/gelding: Dixie Commander; Steve Miyadi, owner-trainer
4-year-old colt/gelding: Toccet to Me; Douglas and Vivian Grinolds, Keith Bennett
Sprinter & Arizona Bred: EZ Dreamer; Triple AAA Ranch, Kory Owens
Turf Horse: Dextera (Ger); Deron Pearson, James Cassidy
Claimer: Green Secret; Xitco, Dunn and Agnew, Mike Chambers
Quarter Horse: Rylees Boy; Gerardo Ochoa, owner-trainer

Leading Rider: Ry Eikleberry
Leading Apprentice: Tyler Kaplan
Leading Trainer: Mike Chambers
Leading Owner: Dennis Weir

Walter Cluer award: Dr. Jack Muller
Whinny Award: Loretta Brasher
 

May 2, 2010

Trainer Molly Pearson Finishes One-Two the Hard Way as Turf Paradise Meet Closes

Trainer Molly Pearson’s horse won the $83,022 ATBA Spring Sales Stakes but was subsequently disqualified, as Turf Paradise’s 54th season of racing came to a close Sunday.
As it turned out, Pearson won the race and the runner up spot anyway.
The Pearson-trained Gotta Skedaddle, a filly, with Adolfo Morales up won the ATBA stakes, but was disqualified and placed second by the Stewards for bumping the other Pearson-trained horse, Rucker Canyon ($3.60), a gelding, who finished second by a half-length.
“It’s was tough to call an objection, because I ride for these people, too,” said Eikleberry of Just for Fun Farms, the owners of Gotta Skedaddle. “But that bump cost my horse the win.”
Cocolalla finished third in the field of twelve 2-year-olds. The race was run in 59.20 for the five furlongs.
Eikleberry, 22, came right back in the traditional closing day feature, the $25,000 Hasta la Vista Handicap, to guide Fox in the House ($6.80) to a ¾ length victory over Favorite Meeting with Rate of Change third in the field of 11 older horses.
“I knew we stood a chance when Rate of Change and that other horse (C My Secret) set a lively pace for the distance,” said Eikleberry, who won the 1 7/8 mile Hasta la Vista (the longest grass stakes in America) in 2008 with Mighty Bodacious.
Trained by Wade Rarick, Fox in the House covered the marathon distance over firm turf in 3:10.73.

Eikleberry won his second consecutive rider’s title with 152 victories, 16 more than his winning total last season. Wilson Dieguez finished second with 107 wins.
Mike Chambers repeated also, winning his second trainer’s title with 62 wins. Last season Chambers dead heated with Keith Bennett at 72 victories apiece. Bennett finished second this season with 49 victories.
Dennis Weir joined the repeaters club, winning his 15th owner’s title with 31 victories, 10 more than Patricia McPeek with 21.
The 3-year-old filly Tornado Betty was voted Horse of the Meet.

Turf Paradise will remain open seven days a week for summer simulcasting. Live racing returns in October.
 

April 30, 2010

April 26, 2010

Kentucky Derby Simulcast Saturday, Closing Day Sunday

The simulcast of the 136th running of the Kentucky Derby will highlight Saturday’s racing program with closing of the live meet the following day, Sunday, May 2.

Prior to Derby Day Saturday, the last of the Twilight Friday programs will be in full swing April 30, with post time at 3:00 pm. Racing will be highlighted by a simulcasts of the $500,000 Kentucky Oaks (G1) and the appearance of 2009 Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra in the $400,000 La Troienne Stakes (G2).
Advance wagering on the Kentucky Derby will take place at approximately 3:30 pm.
Twilight Friday dollar specials will be in effect, such as $1 Grandstand admission, beer, hot dog, soda, ice cream and popcorn. There will be half-price appetizers in the Turf Club and Clubhouse and all you can eat fish fry in the Clubhouse.

Derby Day Saturday starts early. Gates open at 7:00 am. The first simulcast from Churchill Downs is at 7:30 am. The first live race at 11:30 am and the Kentucky Derby at 3:04 pm. Grandstand admission Derby Day is $5.
A free commemorative Kentucky Derby glass will be given away to the first 3,500 paid admissions. And free bounce inflatables, pony rides and face painters will be available to the kids.
The annual Best Bonnet contests will be conducted immediately following the running of the Kentucky Derby, outside on the grandstand apron. Prize monies of $100, $75 and $50 will be awarded in each of the following themed categories: Racing, Outrageous and Best Derby Ensemble.

The 156-day race meet will come to a close Sunday, May 2. Free grandstand admission will be offered. The closing day feature will be the $25,000 Hasta La Vista Handicap. At 1 7/8 (turf), the Hasta La Vista is the longest grass stakes in America.

Turf Paradise will remain open for full card summer simulcasting, seven days a week, starting at 9:00 am.
 

April 24, 2010

Got An Itch, Table Mesa Victorious in Respective Stakes

Got an Itch prevailed in the $50,000 Joanne Dye Stakes and Table Mesa took the $50,000 Ann Owens Distaff to cap an exclusive card of nine state-bred races on Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders’ Day Saturday at Turf Paradise.
The 2-5 favorite, Got an Itch ($2.80), a 3-year-old filly who beat the boys in her last start, had a tough go with her own kind, but managed to draw clear and post a three length victory for trainer Molly Pearson.
Ash Fork and Jacksonville finished second and third respectively. Both fillies are owned by Dennis Weir and trained by Sandi Gann.
Ridden by leading rider Ry Eikleberry, Got an Itch raced the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:17.92.
“I got nervous at the stretch turn when horses were flanked on either side of us, because she wasn’t responding,” said Eikleberry, who rode the winner. “But as soon as she saw clear daylight she took off.”
Weir, who earlier won the $48,000 Arizona Breeders’ Derby with Pinal ($2.60) with Kevin Lewis, and Gann improved their runner up finishes in the Joanne Dye to win the Ann Owens Distaff with 3-5 favorite Table Mesa ($3.20) with Scott Stevens aboard in a three-horse photo. Smoky Creek was a nose further back in second and a nose in front of Twenty Five Red who finished third in the field of nine fillies and mares.
The 5-year-old Table Mesa, who went over the $100,000 mark in career earnings, covered the 6-furlongs in 1:11.07.

April 18, 2010

April 17, 2010

April 5, 2010

Leading Rider Ry Eikleberry Wins Five Races Monday at Turf Paradise

Leading rider Ry Eikleberry put on a riding clinic by winning on five of his seven mounts on the nine race card, Monday at Turf Paradise.
Eikleberry, 21, won the first three races, sweeping the early daily double with Future Search ($8.80) and Point Attended ($5.00). He then won the third race with Cell Line Forever (10.40)
After notching his fourth tally with Thegreatcrosby ($3.00) in the sixth race, Eikleberry said, “Let’s see if we can win five today,”
True to his word, Eikleberry then won the eighth race with Prize Play ($7.80), for his fifth win of the day.
Eikleberry, who’s on track to win his second consecutive rider’s title, currently has 130 victories, 38 more than his nearest competitor, Wilson Dieguez.
 

April 3, 2010

April 3, 2010

Rate of Change Edges Tough Highland Games to Win Wildcat Handicap

Rate of Change won the battle with a tough front-running Highland Games to claim victory in the marathon 1 3/8, $27,625 Wildcat Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Ridden by Jake Barton, Rate of Change ($20.80) tracked 8-5 favorite Highland Games until lodging his bid with a sixteenth of mile to the finish. Highland Games gave away grudgingly, losing by a half-length. Troubletimesthree finished third in the field of 10 older horses.
Trained by Mike Chambers, Rate of Change covered the 1 3/8 distance over firm turf in 2:55.20.

Meanwhile, one-eyed Salsa Express ($6.80) under Scott Stevens split horses in deep stretch to win the $27,125 Princess of Palms Handicap by a length over Thelifeoftheparty with Shakenwithanolive third in the field of seven fillies and mares.
“Having only one eye doesn’t bother her at all,” said trainer Dan Morgan of the 5-year-old Salsa Express. “She’s a classy old mare.”
Salsa Express, who notched her seventh win in 18 career starts, covered the 6 furlongs in 1:10.41.
In the $31,221 Arizona Stallion Stakes, Got an Itch ($7.80) posted a mild upset over 4-5 favorite Pinal with Very Sharp third in the field of ten 3-year-olds.
Ridden by Ry Eikleberry for trainer Molly Pearson, Got an Itch covered the 7 ½ furlongs over the turf in 1:29.88.
 

March 26, 2010

Turf Paradise Introduces Friday Twilight Racing in April

The horses will go to post to a setting sun as Turf Paradise introduces Twilight racing on the five Fridays of April, beginning April 2, with first post at 3:00 pm.

“We’ve wanted to try this for a while as a way of attracting a new market of fans to horse racing,” said Eugene T. Joyce, track president and general manager. “The Fridays of April are the perfect time.”

Friday Twilight racing will take place April 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. Nine-race cards will run from 3:00-7:00 pm.

Fan amenities will be offered for each of the Friday Twilight cards, such as $1 Grandstand admission, beer, hot dog, soda, ice cream and popcorn. Half-price appetizers will be offered in the Clubhouse and Turf Club and an all-you-can-eat fish fry in the Clubhouse.
 

March 15, 2010

Highland Games Wins Coyote Handicap

Displaying the spunk of youth, 7-year-old Highland Games burst forth from mid-pack to win the $25,000 Coyote Handicap Monday at Turf Paradise.

Ridden by Miguel Hernandez, Highland Games ($8.40) was 1 ½ lengths clear of 40-1 longshot Such a Shame with Lightning Tanner another half-length back in third in the field of 11 older horses.

Trained by veteran Lyman Rollins, Highland Games covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.66, for his 10th win in 35 lifetime starts for earnings of $240,562.
 

March 12, 2010

Turf Paradise to Simulcast Key ‘Rachel,’ Zenyatta and ‘Bango’ Prep Races Saturday

Turf Paradise will simulcast key prep races Saturday of Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta and Uh Oh Bango.
Rachel Alexandra, 2009 Horse of the Year, will race in the Fair Ground’s $200,000 New Orleans Ladies. Arizona post time will be 4:15 pm.
Undefeated Zeyatta, runner up to Rachel Alexandra for Horse of the Year honors, will compete in Santa Anita’s $250,000 Santa Margarita (G1). Post time is 4:37 pm
The two races are key preps for Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta first, historic and hoped for meeting in Oaklawn Park’s $5 million Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) on April 9.
Arizona bred Uh Oh Bango will race in Oaklawn Park’s $300,000 Rebel Stakes (G2), an important prep for the Arkansas Derby, April 10. If ‘Bango’ performs well in those two races, the three-year-old will head to his ultimate goal, the Kentucky Derby. Uh Oh Bango would be the first ever Arizona bred to compete in America’s most famous horse race. Post time for the Rebel Stakes is 4:47 pm.
 

February 28, 2010

Turf Paradise Cancels Sunday Racing

Phoenix – Turf Paradise cancelled its Sunday live race program due to weather.
Racing is scheduled to resume Monday, March 1 with first post at 1:00 pm.
 

February 23, 2010

Turf Paradise Cancels Tuesday Racing

Phoenix - Turf Paradise cancelled Tuesday’s live race program due to track conditions created by recent heavy rains. It was the third consecutive day of cancellation due to weather.
Racing is scheduled to resume Friday, February 26 with first post at 1:00 pm.
 

February 22, 2010

Turf Paradise Cancels Monday Racing Due to Track Conditions

Monday’s live race program at Turf Paradise was cancelled due to track conditions.
Racing is scheduled to resume Tuesday, February 23 with first post at 1:00 pm
 

February 21, 2010

Weather Cancels Sunday Racing at Turf Paradise

Sunday’s live race program at Turf Paradise was cancelled due to weather conditions.
Racing is scheduled to resume Monday, February 22 with a post time of 1:00 pm

February 20, 2010

February 20, 2010

Dixie Commander Upsets Turf Paradise Derby, Tornado Betty Wins Arizona Oaks

In a sudden burst of speed in the final 50 yards, longshot Dixie Commander upset 1-2 favorite Indian Firewater to win the $50,000 Turf Paradise Derby Saturday.
Ridden by Wilson Dieguez, Dixie Commander ($46.60) raced far back during the early part of the 1 1/16 race while Indian Firewater with Jose Valdivia up and Pinal set the pace. Pinal would fade to finish third in the field of nine 3-year-olds.
“He never grabbed the bit early on and seemed not interested,” said Dieguez. “I pecked and pecked at him to get his attention. But it wasn’t until I gave him a whack left handed that he took off. Fortunately, just in time.”
“As soon as he took over the lead from Pinal, he put on the brakes and started to look around at everything,” said Dan McFarlane, who saddled Indian Firewater for southern California-based trained Bob Baffert.
Dixie Commander, making his first start away from his home base at Golden Gate for trainer Steve Miyadi, covered the distance over a sealed track rated good in 1:45.97. It was the slowest time for the 1 1/16 local Derby since Engleton’s 1:47.80 victory in 1999.

In the co-featured $25,000 Arizona Oaks, trainer Ed Kereluk finished one-two with 4-5 favorite Tornado Betty ($3.60) and stablemate Chandlers Heart. Unloch the Fury finished third in the field of ten 3-year-old fillies.
“Up until ten minutes to post, we were going to scratch her because of the track,” said Mark Dyer, of stable H.M.A., who claimed Tornado Betty for $12,500 last September. “I checked with our rider and other jocks and they all said it was safe.”
Tornado Betty covered the one mile in 1:39.64 with Jorge Carreno aboard.
 

February 16, 2010

Baffert’s Indian Firewater Tops Saturday’s Turf Paradise Derby

Southern California-based trainer, Bob Baffert, whose barn is loaded with Kentucky Derby prospects this season, has entered Indian Firewater in Saturday’s $50,000 Turf Paradise Derby.
Nine 3-year-olds will contest the local Derby at 1 1/16 miles. A field of ten 3-year-old fillies were entered for the one mile $25,000 Arizona Oaks.
Owned by Paradise Valley resident Mike Pegram, Indian Firewater broke his maiden at Del Mar as a 2-year-old. In his 3-year-old debut on February 10 at Santa Anita, Indian Firewater finished second beaten a nose in a 1 1/16 mile allowance race.
Indian Firewater’s sire, Indian Charlie, owned by Phoenix-based Hal Earnhardt, finished third in the 1998 Kentucky Derby to eventual winner Real Quiet, also trained by Baffert, a Nogales native.
Three-time winner Tornado Betty, in the money in seven of eight efforts, including victory in the Arizona Juvenile Fillies, tops the field of 10 fillies for the Arizona Oaks.
 

February 13, 2010

Ez Dreamer Takes Phoenix Gold Cup

Ez Dreamer made it “awfully easy” for jockey Glenn Corbett in winning the 55th running of the $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Saturday at Turf Paradise.
“This horse was trained so smartly for this race that it made my job awfully easy,” said Corbett. “The game plan was to not let Twin Sparks have an easy lead. We did that.”
Trained by Kory Owens for Triple AAA Ranch, Ez Dreamer($5.40) seized the lead and then quickened in the stretch and was 1 ¼ lengths clear of Goin’ Dancin who finished second with Highland Games third in the field of seven older horses.
Twin Sparks, the 7-5 favorite, and world record holder for the 6-furlong distance, tired to finish last after contesting the pace.
Ez Dreamer covered the 6-furlongs in 1:08.67 for his eighth win in 23 starts for earnings of $469,765. Owner and trainer won the 1988 edition of the Gold Cup with Faro.
Plans for Ez Dreamer were up in the air and contingent up his 3-year-old stablemate and Kentucky Derby prospect Uh Oh Bango.
“There are races at Oaklawn in March for both ‘Dreamer’ and ‘Bango,’” said Owens. “But weather is a factor back there right now. Because of that I have the Turf Paradise Derby and Sunland Derby as backup races for Bango.”
Meanwhile, Tie Rod ($9.60) came from off the pace with Daniel Vergara to win the $25,000 Turf Paradise Handicap. One Call was second with Yankee Bravo third in the field of 12 older horses. Trained by Ed Kereluk, Tie Rod covered the 1 1/16 over firm turf in 1:41.43.
Longshot Markmelauras ($68.20) with Dario Lozoya up, went wire-to-wire to win the $25,000 Sun City Handicap, with 3-5 favorite Table Mesa second and Salsa Express third in the field of 10 fillies and mares. Trained by Dan Morgan, Markmelauras covered the one mile over the turf in 1:34.98.

February 9, 2010

World Record Holder Twin Sparks Heads Gold Cup Field

The 6-furlong world record holder, Twin Sparks, tops a field of nine for the 55th running of the $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Saturday at Turf Paradise.
The Gold Cup will be complemented by the $25,000 Turf Paradise Handicap and $25,000 Sun City Handicap.
Twin Sparks set a new world record of 1:06.49 for 6-furlongs when winning the Caballos del Sol Handicap, November 21. The Karl Myers-trained 7-year-old gelding, who finished third in last year’s Gold Cup, followed his record-setting performance with a win in the Swift Stakes.
“He’s been feeling and training great,” said Myers. “But it’s going to be a tough Gold Cup with Ez Dreamer in there.”
World record holder notwithstanding, Ez Dreamer is sure to make a race of it. The Kory Owens-trained homebred has been consistently competitive, winning or in-the-money at seven different tracks while sporting a lifetime record of eight wins from 22 starts with six seconds and four thirds. Owens won the Gold Cup in 1988 with Faro.
Veteran trainer Lyman Rollin, who celebrated his 90th birthday in January, and six-time winner of the Gold Cup, will send forth Highland Games who’s put together three runner-up finishes in his last three races, two of them stakes.
In the co-featured stakes, On My Dime, upset winner of the Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile in his last start and Tie Rod, fifth in the recent Sunshine Million Turf, will vie for favoritism in the Turf Paradise Handicap at 1 1/16 mile turf.
Table Mesa, who fell a neck shy of winning the Glendale Handicap for trainer Sandi Gann in her last start, heads a field of 10 fillies and mares in the Sun City Handicap at one mile on the turf.
 

January 30, 2010

Blumin Beauty Surprises in Mesa Handicap

Longshot Blumin Beauty ($24.40) gave leading rider Ry Eikleberry a little “vacation money” when winning the $25,000 Mesa Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.
“The victory came at the right time,” said Eikleberry, 21, the meet’s leading rider, who will begin serving a three-day suspension beginning Sunday (Jan. 31). “A little money for my upcoming vacation.”
Blumin Beauty, who was on or near the lead throughout the 6 ½ furlong race, finished a head in front of even-money favorite Puff Maddie with Littlemiss Allison third in the field of eight fillies and mares. Blumin Beauty covered the distance 1:16.01.
“We caught a breather down the backstretch,” said Eikleberry. “She’s tough to beat when that happens.”

Earlier on, Warren’s Jack V.($13.80), with Juan Rivera up, set a new track record of 2:00.77 for the 1 ¼ mile distance, when winning the first race. The previous record of 2:01.40 was set in 1995 by a Truly a Pleasure.
 

January 22, 2010

Turf Paradise Cancels Saturday’s Live Race Card

Due to heavy rains Turf Paradise cancelled its live race card for Saturday, January 23. The track will remain open for simulcasting.
Live racing is scheduled to resume Sunday, January 24 at 12:25 pm.
 

January 20, 2010

Turf Paradise Cancels Wednesday Racing

Due to weather conditions Turf Paradise cancelled Wednesday’s live racing program.
Racing is scheduled to resume Friday, January 22 with first post at 12:25 pm
 

January 16, 2010

Veteran trainer Lyman Rollins celebrates his 90th birthday with a few friends

January 16, 2010

Dexterra - Glendale Hdcp

On My Dime - Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile

January 16, 2010

Longshot On My Dime Upsets Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile

Overlooked at 16-1, On My Dime ($34.80) caught everyone’s attention at the finish as he edged out Highland Games by a head to win the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Saturday at Turf Paradise.
“I was surprised,” admitted winning rider Ry Eikleberry. “He bore down, absolutely determined to get his head in front of Highland Games.”
Last year’s Fitzsimmons Mile runner-up, Highland Games, is conditioned by veteran trainer Lyman Rollins, who was celebrating his 90th birthday. Yacht Spotter finished third while even-money favorite Feisty Suances finished fourth in the field of 11 older horses.
Owned by Honor Roll Racing and trained by Dennis Sowers, the 6-year-old On My Dime covered the one mile over firm turf in 1:34.24.
“He’s been training awesome,” said Sowers. “I am so proud of him. But I hope we didn’t ruin Lyman’s birthday.”
John Christensen, Honor Roll Racing’s syndicate manager, confirmed that On My Dime, a $4,000 private purchase, will start next in the Turf Paradise Handicap, February 13.
“This horse has done so good by us,” said Christensen. On My Dime has been in the money in 16 of 31 efforts, including eight victories for earnings of $174,355.
In a sad note, Bingham, who was seeking to become the Fitzsimmons Mile’s first repeat winner with Glenn Corbett aboard, fractured his left front leg on the far turn and had to be euthanized. Stormy Seattle, with Dennis Collins up, stumbled over the fallen horse and rider. Corbett, Collins and Stormy Seattle were not injured.

Meanwhile, following Dextera’s (GER) victory at Turf Paradise in the Chandler Stakes in November, trainer James Cassidy entered the 4-year-old filly in Saturday’s co-featured $50,000 Glendale Handicap.
“She absolutely loved this turf course when she was here before,” said southern California-based Cassidy. “So, we decided to return, instead of opting for a stakes at Santa Anita.”
Sent off the even-money favorite under David Flores, Dextera ($4.00) collared Table Mesa inside the sixteenth pole and went on to win by a neck. Longshot Rare Sunset finished third in the field of nine fillies and mares.
“She was a little rank at the start,” said Flores. “So, I had to let her settle at the back. The pace was good and she plenty left when I asked her.”
Dextera, who covered the 1 1/16 miles (turf) in 1:40.96, has now won four of 16 efforts for earnings of $158.110
 

January 12, 2010

Eleven Entered in Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Saturday at Turf Paradise

Phoenix – Eleven horses, including last year’s winner, Bingham, are scheduled to start in the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile Saturday at Turf Paradise.
The Fitzsimmons Mile is named in honor of the late coach and executive of the Phoenix Suns, who was also an avid horse racing fan. The race will be run at one mile on the turf. Cotton’s widow, JoAnn Fitzsimmons, will present the winner’s trophy.
The co-feature is the $50,000 Glendale Handicap, which attracted a field of nine fillies and mares for the 1 1/16 mile turf test.
Bingham will attempt to be become the first repeat winner in the six years the race has been called the Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile. Previously the race was named the Paradise Mile. There were no repeat winners in 50 runnings of the race.
 

January 2, 2010

Twin Sparks Swiftest in Swift Stakes

Twin Sparks proved his 6-furlong world record performance in his last start was no fluke by winning the $50,000 Swift Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Handled by leading rider Ry Eikleberry, the 2-5 favorite Twin Sparks ($2.80) eased away from a game Bound to Be MVP by a length at the finish with Goin' Dancin third another 2 ¾ lengths back in field of seven older horses.
“He’s one cool horse,” said Eikleberry, who will turn 21 January 11. “Very professional. He’ll break on top and then let you rate him. He could’ve gone faster, but he went fast enough to win.”
A 7-year-old Kentucky bred son of Twining, Twin Sparks covered the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:02.15. The track record for the distance is 1:01.20.
Trained by Karl Myers, Twin Sparks set a new world record for 6-furlongs of 1:06.49, in winning the Caballos del Sol Handicap on November 21, 2009.
Twin Sparks has now won nine of 23 races for earnings of $150,423
 

December 26, 2009

Longshots Dominate Stakes Triple Header at Turf Paradise

At 16-1, Napili Point, winner of the $50,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes, was one of three longshot winners to dominate a trio of stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Ridden by Dennis Collins ($34.80), Napili Point came from mid-pack to best R El Jefe by three-quarters of a length with Caspers Legacy third. Even-money favorite Excessive Passion stopped in upper stretch, and finished last in the field of eight juvenile colts and geldings.
Owned by Filippo Santoro and trained by Tom Bartol, Arizona bred Napili Point covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.33.
A few races earlier, Stable H.M.A.’s Tornado Betty ($14.80) started the longshot parade in the $50,000 Arizona Juvenile Fillies by upsetting 2-5 favorite Haggai, who stumbled at the start, spotting the field several lengths. Izzy Rules finished third, another 4 ¾ lengths back in the field of six 2-year-old fillies.
Ridden by Jorge Carreno, Tornado Betty covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.51 for trainer Ed Kereluk
In the $50,000 Kachina Handicap, Taste’s Sis ($41.00) held off a game Table Mesa (12-1) by a half-length length with 24-1 Flicker of Gold finishing third.
Handled by Adolfo Morales and trained by Molly Pearson, Taste’s Sis covered the one mile in 1:36.69.
California shippers and 4-5 favorite Briecat, who set the pace, and 9-5 second choice Victorina finished sixth and fourth respectively in the field of seven fillies and mares.

December 23, 2009

Stakes Triple-Header Set for Saturday at Turf Paradise

Three stakes, including the $50,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes, will be presented Saturday at Turf Paradise.
There will be no live or simulcast racing at the track, December 24 and 25. Live and simulcast racing resume the day after Christmas, which is also the traditional opening day of Santa Anita.
Locally based Pinal, a two-time winner, including the Arizona Breeders’ Futurity and northern California shipper Excessive Passion, a perfect two-for-two, will vie for favoritism in a field of nine 2-year-olds in the Lost in the Fog Stakes.
Arizona native Bob Baffert has entered Haggai, a maiden winner, against five rivals in the $50,000 Arizona Juvenile Fillies.
Both juvenile stakes will be run at 6 ½ furlongs.
In the $50,000 Kachina Handicap for fillies and mares at one mile, Victorina will look to avenge defeat to Briecat in Del Mar’s Adoration Stakes.
Trained by Greg Gilchrist, Victorina will be ridden by Glenn Corbett, who recently notched his 3,000th career victory.
The Vladimir Cerin-trained Briecat, winner of Turf Paradise’s Chandler Handicap in 2008, finished second to Horse of the Year candidate Zenyatta in Hollywood Park’s Vanity Handicap (G1) in June of this year. Cerin won the Kachina Handicap with Dynatrol in 2001.
 

December 22, 2009

Jockey Glenn Corbett Reaches Milestone 3,000 Wins

Jockey Glenn Corbett reached a professional milestone of recording his 3,000th career victory when winning aboard the appropriately named Souvenir Winner in the fourth race Tuesday at Turf Paradise.
“It’s a milestone, to be sure, and it feels that way,” said Corbett, 44, originally of Atlanta, Georgia.
Corbett’s first win came at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pennsylvania in 1985, the year he started riding. That was 19,120 starts ago.
“In this sport, you take it one win at a time,” Said Corbett. “So I’ll continue to chip away, one win at a time, and see how far I can go.”
Corbett, who was Turf Paradise’s Leading Rider in 2007, has so far this meet won four local stakes and is the regular rider of 2010 Kentucky Derby prospect Uh Oh Bango.
“The first question people ask when they find out you’re a jockey is, ‘Have you ridden in the Kentucky Derby?’” said Corbett, who rode Lusty Latin in the 2002 Kentucky Derby. “As a rider, once you’ve experienced the thrill of riding in the Derby, you dream of going back. If all goes well, Uh Oh Bango will take me there again.”

December 19, 2009

Ez Dreamer Ever So Easy Winner of Cactus Wren

Ez Dreamer scared away a third of the competition before the race and then proceeded to beat the remaining four horses that showed up in the $50,000 Cactus Wren Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Ridden by Glenn Corbett, Ez Dreamer ($2.80) won by 5 ¼ lengths in a hand ride with One Call finishing second and 2008 Cactus Wren winner White Spur third in the field of five Arizona bred 3-year-olds and up.

“I just sat on this one,” said Corbett.
Clean Hit, Frisky Ricky and Radford were late scratches.
Owned by locally-based Triple AAA Ranch and trained by Kory Owens, Ez Dreamer carried highweight of 128 pounds while covering the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.89.
The Cactus Wren win pushed Ez Dreamer’s earnings over the four-hundred thousand mark to $424,765. The 4-year-old colt has won eight of 22 career starts.

Carlsbad euthanized after suffering injury at Santa Anita

As reported on The Daily Racing Form’s website Saturday morning, Arizona-bred Carlsbad, undefeated in four starts at Turf Paradise and a 13-length winner of the Arizona Oaks as well as Santa Anita’s Santa Paula (G3) and Hollywood Park’s Hollywood Oaks (G2), suffered a fatal injury while galloping out following a seven-furlong workout, “shortly after 9:00 am Saturday at Santa Anita.”
Owned by Dennis Weir of Phoenix, the 3-year-old Carlsbad won seven of 10 career starts and more than $435,000.
“Everyone’s sad about this,” said Kevin Lewis, Carlsbad’s trainer at Turf Paradise. “Everyone.”

 

December 18, 2010

Nighttime Simulcasting Comes To Turf Paradise December 26

Turf Paradise will offer nighttime simulcasts of horse racing beginning Saturday, December 26.

“With the closing of Phoenix Greyhound Park the opportunity was there for us to introduce nighttime simulcasting as a way to boost purses for our horsemen,” said Eugene Joyce, the track’s President and General Manager. “Turf Paradise and select OTBs will be offering full cards from nighttime tracks, seven nights a week, beginning the day after Christmas.”

Arizona state statute recognizes that the daytime belongs to horse racing and the nighttime to greyhound racing. With the announcement of Phoenix Greyhound Park’s closing on December 19 after 55-years of operation, the nighttime simulcasts of horse racing became available.

Nighttime simulcasting will offer races from Australia, Penn National Charlestown, Mountaineer, Delta Downs and Los Alamitos, among others available.

The Turf Paradise Clubhouse will be open for nighttime simulcasting along with the following in-state OTBs: In Phoenix: Armadillo Grill, Brennan’s Gallagher’s (7th Street), North Star Padre Murphy’s; Chandler: Dirty Drummer; Tempe: Horse & Hound, Skip and Jan’s; Peoria: Ramada Inn. Glendale: Max’s; Surprise: Runner’s Sports Bar; Lake Havasu: Gallagher’s and Apache Junction: Apache Greyhound Park.
 

December 13, 2009

Two Riders Injured in Spill at Turf Paradise

Phoenix – Jockeys Jake Barton and Carl Williams suffered injuries in a spill during the running of the eighth race Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Barton, 42, of Provo, Utah, suffered a broken jaw while Williams, 44, of Atlanta, Georgia, sustained three cracked ribs and two bruised vertebrae.
Barton was to undergo surgery at John C. Lincoln Hospital Sunday morning; Williams was kept for observation overnight and was to be released Monday.
The incident occurred on the far turn of the 1 1/16 mile race when Barton, aboard It’s the Captain, was racing in between horses in mid-pack of the 12 horse field, when his mount fell, throwing the rider to the ground. Williams, trailing the field aboard Red Neck Bill, somersaulted over the fallen horse and rider.
It’s the Captain had to be euthanized. Red Neck Bill escaped serious injury.
 

December 12, 2009

Tie Rod Springs Upset in Winning Hank Mills Handicap

In a head bobber at the finish, Tie Rod had his nose on the wire before two-time winner Highland Games to capture the $50,000 Hank Mills, Sr. Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Ridden by Daniel Vergara, Tie Rod ($21.80) covered the one mile for trainer Ed Kereluk in 1:35.62. Pacesetter Western Act held third, 2 ¼ lengths behind the top two, while 4-5 Bingham finished fifth in the field of eight older horses. Highland Games won the Hank Mills in 2007 and 2008.

Claimed for $20,000 in his last start by Stable HMA, the 5-year-old Tie Rod earned $30,000 for his Mills’ victory, boosting his career earning to $212,236.
 

December 11, 2009

Arizona selects new racing chief

Lonny Powell, who ran Turf Paradise racetrack in Phoenix from 1994-1999, has been hired to head up the Arizona Department of Racing, Powell said on Thursday.
Powell, a graduate of the University of Arizona's Race Track Industry Program, will start in his new job on Jan. 4, he said. Arizona has two major Thoroughbred tracks, Turf Paradise and Prescott Downs, and several small fair meets.
Powell said that he plans to revisit the legality of telephone and Internet betting in the state. Arizona is one of several states to have cracked down recently on account wagering, claiming that the form of betting is illegal. In addition, Powell said that he plans to take a close look at ways that horse racing might expand its presence.
"It's time to step up and look at what racing can to do to address its revenue concerns," Powell said.
 

December 8, 2009

Racing Cancelled Tuesday at Turf Paradise

Live racing was cancelled Tuesday at Turf Paradise.
Racing is scheduled to resume Friday, December 11.
 

December 5, 2009

Miss McCall Easy Winner of City of Phoenix Stakes

“As relaxed as can be,” Miss McCall posted an uncontested 4 ¾ length victory as the prohibitive 1-2 favorite in winning the $50,000 City of Phoenix Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.

“She broke out of the gate on the muscle,” said jockey Glenn Corbett. “But she settled quickly and then was as relaxed as can be.”

Trained by southern California based trained Mike Mitchell, Miss McCall ($3.00) covered the 6-furlongs under wraps in 1:08.64. Profitability finished second, 4 ½ lengths in front of Blumin Beauty who rallied for the third in the field of nine fillies and mares.

“I wanted to get Black Type on her,” said Mitchell. “It was either this stakes or the Grade 1 La Brea (at Santa Anita). Now we’ll look to the Sunshine Millions races next.”

Lightly raced, the 3-year-old, Florida-bred Miss McCall (Lightnin N Thunder-Devil’s Banner, Devil’s Bag) has won three of four starts for earnings of $99,400.
 

Pinal
Arizona Breeder's Futurity Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona 11/28/2009
Purse $50,000.00
6 Furlongs 1:11.22
Dennis E. Weir, Owner
Kevin Lewis, Trainer
Daniel Vergara, Up
Napilli Point (2nd)
Stockton Pass (3rd)
$7.00 $4.20 $3.00
Photo Credit Given To: / Coady Photography
 

Lonesome Creek
Arizona Breeder's Futurity Turf Paradise Phoenix, Arizona 11/28/2009
Purse $50,000.00 6 Furlongs 1:11.24
Gene Fleming, Owner
F.C. Frazier, Trainer
Enrique Garcia, Up
Got An Itch (2nd)
Pocketful (3rd)
$7.20 $3.20 $2.40
Photo Credit Given To: / Coady Photography
 

November 28, 2009

Lonesome Creek, Pinal Win Respective Breeders’ Futurities

Lonesome Creek took the $63,836 fillies’ division while Pinal won the $67,710 colts and geldings’ division of the Arizona Breeders’ Futurities Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Owned by Gene Fleming and trained by F.C. Frazier, Lonesome Creek ($7.20) with Enrique Garcia up, parleyed her October ATBA Sales Stakes victory into her second consecutive stakes tally. Got an Itch, the 4-5 favorite, raced extremely wide but finished second, a half-length in front of Pocketful in the field of ten 2-year-old fillies. Lonesome Creek’s covered the 6-furlongs in 1:11.24

Pinal ($7.20) seized the lead under Daniel Vegara and widening through the stretch was 3 ½ lengths clear of Napili Point with Stockton Pass another 2 ¼ lengths back in the field of 12 colts and geldings. Owned by Dennis Weir, who was winning his third Arizona Breeders’ Futurity and trained by Kevin Lewis, Pinal covered the 6-fulongs in 1:11.22.
 

November 21, 2009

Twin Sparks Sets New World Record for 6-Furlongs at Turf Paradise

Twin Sparks ignited a fire by setting a new world record of 1:06.49 for 6-furlongs in winning the $50,000 Caballos del Sol Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.

The previous world record of 1:06.53 was held by Bob Black Jack and set at Santa Anita on January 26, 2008.

Ridden by Luis Medina, Twin Sparks ($21.00) seized the lead, opened up daylight in the stretch and won easily in-hand by 11 ¼ lengths. Longshot Bobadieu finished second, a half-length length in front of Goin’ Dancin in the field of nine older horses.

“He (Twin Sparks) felt like he was going that fast,” said Medina, 24, of Puerto Rico.

Owned by Bobbie Parsons and trained by Karl Myers, the 6-year-old Twin Sparks was winning for the eighth time in 22 starts. His last victory came in an optional claiming race at Turf Paradise in November 2008. Twin Sparks’ best stakes effort was finishing third to Peace Chant, winner of this track’s $100,000 Phoenix Gold Cup, in February of this year.

“He’s a nice old horse who’s had a few problems,” said Myers. “I guess he’s doing a lot better today.”
 

November 14, 2009

Quindici Man by a Nose in Coady Stakes, Dextera Delivers Victory as Favorite in Chandler

While Quindici Man got his nose in front to win the $50,000 Jack Coady, Sr. Stakes for 3-year-old colts and geldings, Dextera (GER) won the $50,000 Chandler Stakes for 3-year-old fillies Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Patiently handled by Glenn Corbett, Quindici Man ($7.00) prevailed by a nose over 6-5 favorite Feisty Suances, ridden by David Flores, with CSI Iowa another ¾ lengths back in the field of eight.
“I had enough horse at the right time,” said Corbett.

Click on image above to enlarge
Trained by Craig Lewis, Quindici Man covered the one mile over firm turf in 1:35.24.
The Jack Coady stakes is named after Turf Paradise’s longtime track photographer who passed away in 2008. Several generations of the Coady family presented the winner’s trophy.
Preceding the Coady Stakes, Flores guided 6-5 favorite Dextera ($4.40) from next to last to a ¾ length victory over co-pacesetter Dash Dot Dash. Woody’s Bluff finished third in the field of six 3-year-old fillies.
Trained by James Cassidy, Dextera covered the one mile over the turf in 1:35.34.
 

October 24, 2009

New Stakes and Course Records set in Queen of the Green and Walter Cluer

Czechers no sooner set a new stakes record in winning the $50,000 Queen of the Green Handicap then Mutak Gold established a new course record in winning the $50,000 Walter Cluer Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Ridden by Stephan Heiler, and trained by Mark Glatt, Czechers ($11.60) raced the one mile over firm turf in 1:34.70, the fastest stakes clocking since 1995 when Wende won this race in 1:36.00.
Less than 45 minutes later, leading rider Ry Eikleberry found running room for the Dan McFarlane-trained Mutak Gold ($14.80) to establish a new course record for the one mile turf distance of 1:34.12, eclipsing the former mark of 1:34.57 set by Classic Trouble in January 2009.
Czechers cruised easily to the lead and had the answer when challenged by eventual runner-up and previous Queen of the Green winner, 6-5 favorite Star of Whitney and Double Dip. A length separated winner and runner-up. It was another half-length back to Double Dip who finished third in the field of seven fillies and mares.
“She was totally relaxed out there,” said Heiler. “She doesn’t have a burst of speed so I had to get her rolling at the head of the lane when I saw the other two fillies coming up on me.”
“Not a bad effort for being off six months,” said Star of Whitney trainer Dennis Sowers. Star of Whitney, ridden by Eikleberry, won this race in 2007 and was third in 2008.
Meanwhile, Eikleberry had to wait for horse traffic to clear before sending Mutak Gold through an opening.
“Both Scott (Stevens, aboard 9/5 favorite Stormy Surge) and I had to wait for an opening,” said Eikleberry. “The horses spread in front of me, giving me a hole to shoot through. But that didn’t happen for Scott.”
Mutak Gold bested Pearl Fisher by three-quarters of a length, who was a head in front of Allegre. Stormy Surge finished fourth in the field of nine older colts and geldings.
Owned by Allan and Susan Branch, Czechers has now won five of 15 starts for earnings of $198,619.
Mutak Gold, owned by Robert Morgan, has won seven of 21 efforts for earnings of $179,745,

 

October 3, 2009

Ride Me Fast Edges Shakenwithanolive to Win Sun devil Stakes

The two California shippers turned the $50,000 Sun Devil Stakes into a match race with Ride Me Fast a neck better than Shakenwithanolive at the wire Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Trained by Bob Baffert, Ride Me Fast ($5.20) and northern California-based trainer Greg Gilchrist’s 4-5 favorite Shakenwithanolive matched strides the length of the stretch. The winner, ridden by last meet’s leading jockey, Ry Eikleberry, covered the 6-furlongs in a quick 1:08.65.

It was another 7 ½ further back to Lifeoftheparty, who finished third in the field of six 3-year-old fillies.

“She’s nice and very game,” said Eikleberry.

Owned by Paradise Valley resident Mike Pegram, Ride Me Fast was winning for the third time in eight efforts and now has earnings of $101,480.
 

Dawn of a New Race Meet – Exercise rider and horse greet the
sunrise and prepare for a morning gallop as Turf Paradise opens its
54th season of racing Friday, October 2.

Photo Credit: Coady Photography
 

Click to enlarge

September 25, 2009
Mike Chamberlain Named Announcer at Turf Paradise 

Mike Chamberlain has been named track announcer at Turf Paradise and will assume his duties beginning with opening day, Friday, October 2. The announcement was made today by track President and General Manager Eugene T. Joyce.

A 155-day live meet will run from Oct. 2 through May 2, with live racing scheduled five days a week, Friday through Tuesday. Simulcasting is conducted seven days a week, starting at 9:00 am.

“I first became aware of Michael’s considerable talent when I lived in Texas and I’m a big fan,” said Joyce. “We are excited to have him on board.” 

Chamberlain, 39, served as Sam Houston Park’s announcer for the past 12 years. He broke into announcing under the tutelage of former Turf Paradise announcer, the late Luke Kruytbosch.

“It’s like a homecoming and a dream come true to be the announcer at Turf Paradise,” said Chamberlain, who grew in Arizona and whose parents live in Chandler, a community southeast of Phoenix. “I hope to follow in line of the track’s great announcers, like Bob Weems, Luke Kruytbosch and Frank Mirahmadi.”

Chamberlin replaces Mirahmadi, who accepted an opportunity to work in an expanded role on TGV network. Mirahmadi was with Turf Paradise for the 2008-2009 season.