May 4, 2008

Hasta La Vista Brings Turf Paradise Meet to a Close

Mighty Bodacious won the season finale $50,000 Hasta La Vista Handicap and Big Bug Creek the $81,175 ATBA Spring Sales Stakes to bring the 53rd live race meet to a close Sunday at Turf Paradise.
Full-card simulcasting from major race tracks will continue 7-days a week throughout the summer, from 9:00 am-7:00 pm. Live racing will resume October 3..
Patiently handled by Ry Eikleberry, Mighty Bodacious ($9.80) won the Hasta La Vista Handicap by 3 ¾ lengths over Cleard for Action with Chestertown Slew third in the field of nine older horses.
Trained by Dana Vannorsdel, Mighty Bodacious parleyed his win in the 1 3/8 Wildcat Handicap to victory in the 1 7/8 mile Hasta La Vista - the longest turf stakes run in North America – covering the marathon distance in 3:11.20.
Sandi Gann closed gamely with prohibitive favorite Big Bug Creek ($2.80) to collar Albacore Bob and win the ATBA Sales Stakes by 3 ½ . It was another 4 ½ lengths back to Hidden Bounty who finished third in the field of 10 juveniles.
Trained by Kevin Lewis, Arizona bred Big Bug Creek covered the five furlongs in :57.09 to remain undefeated in two starts.

Seth Martinez, 28, captured his second leading rider’s title with 144 victories, easily distancing last meet’s leader, Glenn Corbett, with 100 wins.
Keith Bennett, 43, captured his second consecutive trainer’s title with 87 tallies; Michael Chambers was second with 82 wins.
Dennis Weir celebrated his 12th leading owner’s title with 57 wins, four more than Les Blake with 53 victories.

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April 26, 2008

Ez Dreamer Romps in Arizona Breeders’ Derby

Ez Dreamer made his claim for top Arizona bred and local Horse of the Meet by posting a 9-length victory in the $68,695 Arizona Breeders’ Derby Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Confidently ridden by Scott Stevens, Ez Dreamer ($3.80) pulled away at will at the head of the stretch, leaving Stormy Highland and El Mirage to finish second and third respectively in the field of seven 3-year-old colts and geldings.

Owned and bred by Triple AAA Ranch and trained by Kory Owens, Ez Dreamer covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.56.

A son of In Excess, Ez Dreamer has never been out of the money in 10 efforts, including four victories and earnings of $160,592. The colt also finished second and third respectively in Santa Anita’s Pasadena and La Puente stakes.

The Arizona Breeders Derby was the feature among 11 races exclusively for state bred horses.

The annual equine awards will be announced Sunday, April 27. The current live race meet closes Sunday, May 4.

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April 5, 2007

Sandi Gann Returns to Races with White Spar Victory

On her first mount back following a five week recouping period after a spill, Sandi Gann earned a hard-earned victory with White Spar in the $50,000 Arizona Stallion Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Gann and 1-2 favorite White Spar ($3.00) held off a stubborn Stormy Highland by a neck for the win, with White Spar’s stablemate, Oak Flat, another one 1 ½ lengths back in third in the field of seven 3-year-old Arizona breds.

Owned by Dennis Weir and trained by Kevin Lewis, White Spar covered the 7 ½ furlongs over firm turf in 1:30.38.

“He proved he can handle the turf and going a route of ground,” said Gann, of White Spar. “It’s also good to be back racing.”

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March 31, 2008

Bitterbutsweet Wins Scottsdale Handicap

Bitterbutsweet came from off the pace under Scott Stevens to post a mild upset in the $30,000 Scottsdale Handicap Monday at Turf Paradise.

Trained by Dan Morgan, Bitterbutsweet ($11.60) rallied wide at the head of the lane and went on to best Vegas Runner by a half-length with La Misma another half-length back in third in the field of six 3-year-old fillies.

“They weren’t going to beat her today,” said Stevens.

Bitterbutsweet covered the one mile over firm turf in 1:35.54.

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March 10, 2008

Martinez, Chambers Continue Hot Streak at Turf Paradise

The arrival of spring-like temperatures in Phoenix is nothing compared to the hot streak jockey Seth Martinez and trainer Mike Chambers continue to have at Turf Paradise.
Through the past eight race days Martinez has won 18 of 50 mounts for 36% win clip and Chambers has shot off the charts, winning 12 of 15 starts for an 80% win clip. Chambers’ three horses that didn’t win, finished second or third for a 100% in the money.
“I can’t say why I’m winning so many races,” said Martinez, 28, the track’s leading apprentice rider in 1997 and leading rider in 2000. “All the horses are running for me, especially Mike’s.”
Ten of Martinez’ 18 wins have been aboard Chambers-trained horses, including Nationhood ($5.40), winner of Sunday’s $30,000 Coyote Handicap.
Martinez, 28, has won four races on a program, twice won three races and three times swept the early daily double.
The wins have propelled Martinez to the top of the jockey colony with 90 victories, four more than Chris Landeros, who has led the standings since the beginning of the race meet in October.
Chambers is now solidly in second in the trainers’ standings with 53 victories, nine wins behind leader Keith Bennett.

Showing no signs of cooling off, Martinez swept Monday’s
 

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March 4, 2008

Seth Martinez Wins a Dozen Races at Turf Paradise

Jockey Seth Martinez was on fire during the recently completed five-day race week, winning on 12 of 31 mounts at Turf Paradise.
Martinez, winning with over 38% of his mounts, amassed his dozen victories by winning four of nine races on Friday’s card and then twice won three races on two days with two other days winning one race each.
The win skein put Martinez solidly in second place with 82 wins, four behind leader Chris Landeros with 86.
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$10,000 Grand Prize winner Helen Bowleg

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February 25, 2008

Caption: Richard Migliore and Leonides following
victory in the $30,000 Palo Verde Stakes
Monday at Turf Paradise.
Photo: Coady Photography


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February 25, 2008

Leonides Gives George Woolf Winner, Migliore, Easy Win

Richard Migliore, recent winner of the 2008 George Woolf Jockey Award, was recipient of an easy victory with Leonides in the $30,000 Palo Verde Stakes Monday at Turf Paradise.
“I rode this horse’s dad and mom (Richter Scale-North East belle),” said Migliore, 43, who shipped in from California for trainer Vladimir Cerin. “So, I kind of had a feel for him.”
The 3-5 favorite Leonides ($3.20) tracked pace-setter El Mirage and then drew away from that one with a sixteenth of a mile to go to register a 4 ¼ length victory. Midnight Wish finished third, another 6 ½ lengths back in the field of five 3-year-olds.
The winner covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.91.
“I felt like a winner from the first step,” said Migliore. “But I made the lead too early and he started to look around. I had to give him a few taps of the whip to keep his mind on racing.”
The Woolf Award, now in its 58th year memorializes the jockey known as “The Iceman,” who died in a spill at Santa Anita. The award, voted on by jockeys, recognizes jockeys whose career and personal character reflect positively on themselves and the sport of Thoroughbred horse racing.

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Billy Allen (Ire) and Chris Landeros hold off Prorunner to the win the Turf Paradise Handicap

 
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Alonso Quinonez and Fleet Caroline winning the Sun City Handicap
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February 16, 2008

Tribesman Upsets Idiot Proof in Phoenix Gold Cup

After setting blazing fast fractions, Tribesman, just kept on going when challenged by heavily favored Idiot Proof to win the $100,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Ridden by Chad Schvaneveldt for trainer Roger Hansen, the northern California shipper, Tribesman ($8.80, sizzled the first half mile in :43.17 and was 1 ¾ lengths clear of 4-5 favorite Idiot Proof and David Flores at the wire, stopping the teletimer in 1:07.80 for the 6 furlongs.
Sailors Sunset, with Chris Landeros aboard, rallied strongly to fall a head shy of Idiot Proof, giving California-based horses a sweep of the top three spots in the field of nine older horses.
“This horse is naturally fast and was running easy with his ears pricked for the first half mile,” said Schvaneveldt, of Tribesman who was winning his fifth consecutive race. “When I called on him in the stretch, he took off again.”
Flores asked Idiot Proof for his best at the head of the lane, but the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Sprint runner-up was unable to close the gap.
“The other horse (Tribesman) was too good today,” said Flores. “I was expecting him to come back to us but he just kept on going.”
Trained by Clifford Sise, Jr., Idiot Proof was using the Phoenix Gold Cup as a stepping stone to the $2 million Golden Shaheen Sprint in Dubai on March 29.
“We just got outrun today,” said Sise. “As far as Dubai…well, I’ll have to talk to the owners (Pam & Martin Wygod).”

Landeros, Turf’s 19-year-old leading rider, came back to power Billy Allen (Ire) to a half-length victory over Prorunner in the $75,000 Turf Paradise Handicap. Willow O Wisp finished third in the field of ten.
Trained by Keith Bennett, world traveler Billy Allen ($8.00), who won the Russian Triple Crown before coming to America, covered the 1 1/16 mile over turf rated good in 1:42.59.
“This horse is all heart,” said Landeros.

Alonso Quinonez guided the Vladimir Cerin-trained Fleet Caroline ($8.00) to a wire-to-wire victory in the $50,000 Sun City Handicap. Along Came Jones finished second with Fortunate Event third in the field of eight fillies and mares. The winner covered the one mile over good turf in 1:37.05.

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February 12, 2008

Highweight Idiot Proof Tops Phoenix Gold Cup Super Saturday at Turf Paradise

Accepting his 125 pound highweight impost, Idiot Proof, heads a field of nine in the 52nd renewal of the $100,000 Phoenix Gold Cup Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Complementing the Gold Cup will be two turf stakes, the $75,000 Turf Paradise Handicap at 1 1/16 miles and the $50,000 Sun City Handicap, for fillies and mares, at one mile.
Idiot Proof, runner-up in the 2007 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, signaled his readiness for the Gold Cup by turning in a bullet four furlong work of :44.3 Monday over the Turf Paradise strip.
Trained by Clifford Sise, Jr., Idiot Proof, has won half of his 10 career starts, including the Ancient Title (G1) and Jersey Shore Handicap (G3). In his most recent start January 1, the 4-year-old Benchmark colt finished third in the El Conejo Handicap (G3).
Idiot Proof, who will be conceding from two to 13 pounds to his eight rivals, will be ridden by David Flores.
Set to make amends for failing as the favorite in last year’s Gold Cup is Sailors Sunset (123). The Marcelo Polanco-trained 5-year-old recovered from his Gold Cup second place finish to go on and win the Los Angeles Handicap (G3). To be ridden by Chris Landeros, Sailors Sunset has not raced since finishing fifth in the Triple Bend Handicap (G1) on July 7.
Golden Gate speedster Tribesman (120) is riding a four-race win skein for trainer Roger Hansen
The locally based Trail This (121) has won three of his last four efforts, all against stakes competition.

Two-time consecutive Turf Paradise Handicap winner Capitano (2007, ‘06), with Glenn Corbett up, will go for the hat trick when heading this year’s field of 11. Crested(Gb), winner of the Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile, January 5, returns as the 123 pound highweight with Brice Blanc.
Willow O Wisp, idle since November, has faced such turf aces as The Tin Man, Icy Atlantic and After Market, for trainer Vladimir Cerin.
International traveler Billy Allen(Ire), winner of Russia’s Triple Crown, comes off a victory in the Hangonslewpyhangon Stakes on January 23.

The French-bred Live Life(Fr) may find her 10 rivals in the Sun City Handicap to be a little softer than the graded stakes horses she’s been facing. The 6-year-old mare has been without victory in eight Grade 1 and Grade 2 attempts.
Local turf ace, Star of Whitney, winner of six of seven local grass races and recent third in the Glendale Handicap, will be handled by Ry Eikleberry.

Notes: Saturday’s first race - 12:30 pm
Sun City Handicap - 6th race – 3:09 pm
Phoenix Gold Cup – 7th race – 3:41 pm
Turf Paradise Handicap – 8th race – 4:14 pm

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Two-time consecutive Turf Paradise Handicap winner Capitano (2007, ‘06), with Glenn Corbett up, will go for the hat trick when heading this year’s field of 11. Crested(Gb), winner of the Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile, January 5, returns as the 123 pound highweight with Brice Blanc.
Willow O Wisp, idle since November, has faced such turf aces as The Tin Man, Icy Atlantic and After Market, for trainer Vladimir Cerin.
International traveler Billy Allen(Ire), winner of Russia’s Triple Crown, comes off a victory in the Hangonslewpyhangon Stakes on January 23.
 

February 11, 2008

SUPER READY -- 2007 Breeders’ Cup Sprint runnerup, Idiot Proof, with jockey Miguel Hernandez aboard, turned in a bullet half-mile work Monday of :44.3 for his final tune-up for Saturday’s $100,000 Phoenix Gold Cup at Turf Paradise.

The 4-year-old colt went in splits of :11.1, :22.1, :33.2, :44.3,
:57.0 (galloped out) and 1:12.3 (pulled up). It was the fastest of 26 horses working at four furlongs.

Click to enlarge

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February 9, 2008

Jockey Jon Court Sweeps Turf Paradise Derby, Arizona Oaks

Jon Court made his 10th wedding anniversary memorable by sweeping the $100,000 Turf Paradise Derby and $75,000 Arizona Oaks Saturday at the Phoenix oval.
California-based Court won the local Derby with Nikki’sgoldensteed ($7.00) and the Arizona Oaks with Briecat ($7.20).
“I can’t think of a better place or way to celebrate my 10th wedding anniversary than here at Turf and winning these races,” said Court, 48, who was accompanied by his wife Krystal. “Ten year ago today, in Hot Springs (Arkansas), we were married.”
Court employed similar tactics in winning both races, keeping Nikki’sgoldensteed close to the pace and with Briecat, going a wire-to-wire.
“We were right where we wanted to be with Nikki’sgoldensteed,” said Court, who won the Turf Paradise Derby in 2005 with General John B. “But we didn’t want to be on the lead with Briecat. She just pulled me to the lead”.
Nikki’sgoldensteed was 5 ¾ lengths clear of local 6-5 favorite Ez Dreamer, with Meer Kat (IRE) another 3 ½ lengths back in third in the field of eight 3-year-old colts and geldings.
Owned by Matthew Lomas and Gary Spencer and trained by Bob Hess. Jr., Nikki’sgoldensteed covered the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.81.
“There’s no better feeling on the planet than watching your horse win,” said Lomas, who’s a breeder with Applebite Farms, based in French Camp, California.
“We’ll look towards the El Camino Real Derby for our next start,” said Hess.
Prior to the Derby, Court guided Briecat to a wire-to-wire, 1 ¼ length victory over La Mina to win the Arizona Oaks. Kylie’s Way finished third in the field of eight 3-year-old fillies.
Trained by Vladimir Cerin, Briecat, who was making only her second career start after breaking her maiden January 4 at Santa Anita, covered the one mile in 1:37.19.
“What a day,” said Court, who also won the second race with first-time starter Red Sky Dubai ($8.60) to go a perfect three-for-three for the day. “What a great anniversary”.

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February 5, 2008

$100,000 Derby, $75,000 Oaks, Saturday at Turf Paradise

Eight 3-year-olds with aspirations to the Kentucky Derby, will try a more modest stepping stone Saturday in the $100,000 Turf Paradise Derby. Eight fillies will also be in the spotlight in the $75,000 Arizona Oaks.

The local Derby will be run at 1 1/16 miles while the Oaks will be contested at one mile.

Although two horses will be shipping in from California local hopeful Ez Dreamer will be the one to beat in the Derby with leading stakes rider Glenn Corbett aboard. Owned by Phoenix-based Triple AAA Ranch and trained by Kory Owens, Ez Dreamer has won half of his six career efforts, including a recent ten-length romp in the Rattlesnake Stakes.

Shipping in from the west coast is Irish-bred Meer Cat (Ire) for trainer Craig Dollase. After breaking his maiden in Great Britain, Meer Cat turned in a credible American debut, by finishing third in Hollywood Park’s Generous Stakes (G3) on November 23.

Corbett will look to sweep both stakes with Pure and Simple in the Oaks. Trained by Molly Pearson, Pure and Simple was a runaway winner in her most recent start, the Sun Devil Stakes on January 19.

Three-race winner La Mina, ships in from California after winning Santa Anita’s Hidden Light and Golden Gate’s Corte Madera Stakes.

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January 28, 2008

Monday’s Live Races Cancelled at Turf Paradise

Monday’s live race program at Turf Paradise was cancelled due to track traditions.

Racing is scheduled to resume Tuesday, with first at 12:30 pm.

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January 27, 2008

Rivoltella Romps in Slop to Win Kachina Handicap

Like one of the geese taking to the track’s infield lakes, Rivoltella, with Glenn Corbett aboard, relished the slop and rolled to an easy victory in the $50,000 Kachina Handicap Sunday at Turf Paradise.

“I looked at the films of her win in the slop at Emerald (Downs),” said Corbett, who’s won three of the last four local stakes. “And I’m glad I did: this filly just loves the slop.”

Rivoltella collared the pace-setting Merrily at the eighth pole and then galloped away to post a 4¾ length victory. Film Editor rallied from last to finish third in the field of nine fillies and mares.

Trained by Blaine Wright, Rivoltella ($11.20) covered the one mile over sloppy going in 1:38.22.

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January 26, 2008

Favored Trail This Captures G Malleah Handicap

Ry Eikleberry topped off a three-win day by guiding Trail This to a popular victory in the $50,000 G Malleah Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Eikleberry, 18, kept even-money favorite Trail This ($4.20) close to the fast pace set by King Justin and then went on to register a three-length win over the late-closing duo of Ducky Drake and Highland Games. King Justin tired to finish fifth.

Trail This, who was scoring his second consecutive stakes win and his eighth career victory from 13 efforts, covered the six furlongs in 1:08.40 for trainer Robert Score.

Earlier on, Eikleberry won on Beau’s Valentine ($5.20) and Slew the Chief ($7.40).

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January 20, 2008

Corbett Sweeps Weekend Stakes at Turf Paradise

Glenn Corbett, who won Saturday’s Sun Devil Stakes, came right back Sunday to guide Ez Dreamer to an impressive victory in the $50,000 Rattlesnake Stakes at Turf Paradise.

“Another nice horse,” said Corbett, who upset Saturday’s $50,000 Sun Devil Stakes with Pure and Simple ($48.00). “It makes my job a lot easier when they’re this talented.”

Held off the early pace, Ez Dreamer ($8.40) drew away at will in the stretch to post a 9 ¾ length victory over Stormy Highland, who was 2 ¼ lengths in front of Campeone in the field of six 3-year-olds.

Owned by locally based Triple AAA Ranch and trained by Kory Owens, Ez Dreamer covered the one mile in 1:36.60 to register his third win in six efforts for earnings of $79,957.

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January 19, 2008

Pure and Simple Upsets Sun Devil Stakes

Under a confident ride by Glenn Corbett, 23-1 longshot Pure and Simple scored an easy four length victory in the $50,000 Sun Devil Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.

“I kept it ‘pure and simple,’” said Corbett. “I just held on and let her do the running.”

Kevin Haslam, ASU’s Development Officer for Intercollegiate Athletics, presented the Sun Devil trophy to trainer Molly Pearson.

Pure and Simple ($48.00) rushed to the lead with a half-mile to the finish, leaving the runnerup prize to Bitterbutsweet who finished second over La Misma - also trained by Pearson - in the field of nine 3-year-old fillies. The winner covered the one mile over a fast track in 1:37.4.


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January 6, 2008

Click picture to enlarge
Placid Lake and Clinton Potts score a popular victory in the $50,000 Glendale Handicap on January 5

January 1, 2008

Locals Brace for California Invaders in Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile

Local horses will have their work cut out for them as four highly regarded California-based grass horses ship in for Saturday’s $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile at Turf Paradise.
Named after the late coach and former executive of the Phoenix Suns, who had a passion for both basketball and horse racing, the Cotton Fitzsimmons attracted a field of nine for the one mile turf test. Complementing the Fitzsimmons will be the $50,000 Swift Stakes and $50,000 Glendale Handicap.
California-based horses have won five of the past eight runnings of the Fitzsimmons.
Leading this year’s contingent of west coast invaders is the Vladimir Cerin-trained Willow O Wisp. The 6-year-old, earner of $668,468 and winner of the 2006 Inglewood Handicap (G3), gave in-the-money performances in 2007 against highly regarded turf stakes winners The Tin Man, After Market and Icy Atlantic.
Completing the California contingent are trainers Neil Drysdale’s Macduff (GB), Wally Dollase’s Crested (GB) and Keith Bennett’s Billy Allen (Ire). The Irish bred, world traveler, Billy Allen, has raced and or won races in nine foreign countries, including capturing Russia’s Triple Crown.
The locally based horses are headed by the Molly Pearson-trained Prorunner, winner of six races and in-the-money in 18 of 26 career efforts.
Others include Power Strokin, Global Trader, We Brothers and Highland Games.

NOTES: Star of Whitney puts her perfect 6-for-6 local turf record on the line against a field of eight in the $50,000 Glendale Handicap

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December 30, 2007

World Traveler Billy Allen Headed to Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile

The Irish bred Billy Allen could qualify for frequent flyer miles.
One of 21 nominees for Saturday’s (Jan. 5) $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile, the 6-year-old Billy Allen has competed and or won races in no fewer than nine foreign countries. His stop-overs at tracks read like a jet setter’s itinerary: England, Austria, Serbia and Montenegro, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Turkey and the United Arab Emitates.
After 26 starts abroad and a ten-race win skein which included capturing the Russian Triple Crown in 2004, Billy Allen sampled American racing. Debuting in 2005 at Arlington Park in the Washington Handicap, Billy Allen finished fourth to $4 million earner Perfect Drift.
Returning to Europe in 2006 for a ten-race campaign, Billy Allen then re-surfaced in America in November 2006 in Aqueduct’s Stuyvesant Handicap. From there he shipped to California, where he was unplaced in several stakes engagements.
Then after 44 lifetime starts, 13 victories and over $280,000 in earnings, Billy Allen was entered for the first time in a claiming race at Del Mar in August 2007, where he was purchased by California-based owner Robert Bone for $50,000.
“I researched this horse,” said Bone. “He won decent races in France and Sweden. Besides, any horse that can reel off ten in a row certainly has some talent.”
Under the care of Turf’s second ranked trainer, Keith Bennett, Billy Allen has settled into yet another new environment.
“I’ve never had a horse like this in my barn,” said Bennett, who been training for over 22 years. “His racing papers from Europe are as thick as a book. He’s settled well into his new surroundings here at Turf. The Cotton Fitzsimmons will tell us just how well he’s settled.”
“When this horse raced in America he did so with blinkers, which made him race closer to the lead,” said Bone,” His European form, however, shows that he does his best racing from off the pace. So, the blinkers have come off. The rest is now up to Keith: how well he can get him to settle and adapt to yet another race track.”

Note: Billy Allen, with leading rider Chris Landeros up, worked five furlongs in 1:02.3 on Sunday, December 30 in preparation for the Cotton Fitzsimmons.

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December 30, 2007

World Traveler Billy Allen Headed to Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile

The Irish bred Billy Allen could qualify for frequent flyer miles.
One of 21 nominees for Saturday’s (Jan. 5) $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile, the 6-year-old Billy Allen has competed and or won races in no fewer than nine foreign countries. His stop-overs at tracks read like a jet setter’s itinerary: England, Austria, Serbia and Montenegro, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Turkey and the United Arab Emitates.
After 26 starts abroad and a ten-race win skein which included capturing the Russian Triple Crown in 2004, Billy Allen sampled American racing. Debuting in 2005 at Arlington Park in the Washington Handicap, Billy Allen finished fourth to $4 million earner Perfect Drift.
Returning to Europe in 2006 for a ten-race campaign, Billy Allen then re-surfaced in America in November 2006 in Aqueduct’s Stuyvesant Handicap. From there he shipped to California, where he was unplaced in several stakes engagements.
Then after 44 lifetime starts, 13 victories and over $280,000 in earnings, Billy Allen was entered for the first time in a claiming race at Del Mar in August 2007, where he was purchased by California-based owner Robert Bone for $50,000.
“I researched this horse,” said Bone. “He won decent races in France and Sweden. Besides, any horse that can reel off ten in a row certainly has some talent.”
Under the care of Turf’s second ranked trainer, Keith Bennett, Billy Allen has settled into yet another new environment.
“I’ve never had a horse like this in my barn,” said Bennett, who been training for over 22 years. “His racing papers from Europe are as thick as a book. He’s settled well into his new surroundings here at Turf. The Cotton Fitzsimmons will tell us just how well he’s settled.”
“When this horse raced in America he did so with blinkers, which made him race closer to the lead,” said Bone,” His European form, however, shows that he does his best racing from off the pace. So, the blinkers have come off. The rest is now up to Keith: how well he can get him to settle and adapt to yet another race track.”

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December 29, 2007

Russell Baze and Undefeated High Resolve Win Arizona Juvenile Fillies Stakes

The California-based but familiar winning trio of jockey Russell Baze, owner Harry Aleo and trainer Greg Gilchrist teamed up with undefeated filly High Resolve for a popular victory in the $45,000 Arizona Juvenile Fillies Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Baze, America’s winningest rider with over 9,900 wins, showed absolute confidence in his 4-for-4 and 1-5 favored 2-year-old filly by guiding High Resolve ($2.60) to a two length victory over a stubborn Nook and Granny with leading rider Chris Landeros aboard. It was another neck back to Cave Springs who finished third in the field of nine juvenile fillies.
“She’s so fast and so game,” said Baze, 49. “Today I got her to relax a little early on so as to have something left for the late chargers.”
High Resolve covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.61.
“She’s kind of like Lost in the Fog,” said Gilchrist, of his Eclipse Award winning sprinter who died following a battle with cancer in 2006. “In that she’s so fast she finds herself on the lead. I couldn’t get Lost in the Fog to rate and I don’t think it will work with her either. High Resolve’s next race will be the Sunshine Million at Gulfstream Park.”
Meanwhile, the Dennis Weir-owned El Mirage ($5.20), trained by Kevin Lewis and ridden by Vince Guerra, sped to his own wire-to-wire victory in winning the $50,000 Lost in the Fog Juvenile Stakes as the 8-5 favorite.
The winner covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.24. Stablemate White Spar finished second by a neck, 5 ¾ lengths ahead of Ez Dreamer. Fort Funston, ridden by Baze, finished fifth in the field of eight 2-year-old colts and geldings.


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December 28, 2007

America’s Winningest Jockey, Russell Baze, at Turf Paradise Saturday

Hall of Fame jockey Russell Baze, America’s all-time win leader with over 9,900 victories, will ride in two stakes, including the $50,000 Lost in the Fog Juvenile, Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Baze, 49, will team up with owner Harry Aleo and trainer Greg Gilchrist to ride Fort Funston in the Lost in the Fog Juvenile (formerly Arizona Juvenile) and the undefeated filly, High Resolve, in the $45,000 Arizona Juvenile Fillies.

In 2004, Baze, Aleo and Gilchrist won what was then called the Arizona Juvenile Stakes with Lost in the Fog. The then precocious 2-year-old set a new track record of 1:13.55 for the 6 ½ furlongs. Lost in the Fog was voted the Eclipse Award for Champion Sprinter in 2005. The colt succumbed to cancer in 2006.

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December 23, 2007

Three Gray Horse Photo Finish in White Christmas Race at Turf Paradise

In a three-horse photo finish it was the gray Always Remember who had his gray head in front of two other grays in the “White Christmas” race Sunday at Turf Paradise.

The outcome could have been no other, at least in terms of color of the winning horse. The $9,200 White Christmas starter allowance, the track’s annual tribute to the holiday, is for gray horses only.

Ridden by Jocelyne Kenny, Always Remember ($21.00) covered the 7 ½ furlongs over firm turf in 1:39.91. The 2-1 favorite Invader’s Justice finished second, a length in front of Our Best Man in the field of eight gray horses.

Note: Live racing will resume at Turf Paradise, Thursday December 27. There will simulcast racing only December 24 and December 26. There will be no racing live or simulcast on Christmas Day, December 25.

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December 22, 2007

King Justin Flies Away from Competition to Win Cactus Wren

King Justin left his competition winded as he opened up daylight and then coasted to victory in the $45,000 Cactus Wren Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Ridden by Jocelyne Kenny, King Justin ($6.20) covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:16.39. Kingsburg rallied from far back to finish second, three and one-quarter lengths clear of Corporal Tillman who finished third in the field of eight Arizona Breds.

“He’s awesome,” said Kenny, King Justin’s regular rider. “He’s my boy.”

The 6-year-old King Justin was scoring his 15th lifetime win, which pushed his career earnings to $221,566 for owner Chris DiPiero and trainer Ed Kereluk.

Meanwhile, it is a sure thing that a gray horse will win the seventh race Sunday at Turf Paradise.

There’s no chance a bay or chestnut might win; only a gray, or a roan, a color cousin of the gray will win.

The reason is the seasonal “White Christmas” starter allowance race, which is for registered gray or roan colored horses only. The $9,200 race, which will go postward at approximately 3:12 pm, attracted a field of nine grays for the 7 ½ furlong turf test.

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December 19, 2007

The Gray’s a Sure Thing Sunday at Turf Paradise

In an uncertain world, one thing is for sure: a gray horse will win the seventh race this Sunday at Turf Paradise.

There’s no chance a bay or chestnut might win. Only a gray, or a roan, a color cousin of the gray, will win.

The reason is the seasonal “White Christmas” starter allowance race, which is for registered gray or roan colored horses only. The $9,200 race, which will go postward at approximately 3:12 pm, attracted a field of nine grays for the 7 ½ furlong turf test.
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December 15, 2007

Bully Bones Wins Mesa Handicap for Second Time

Bully Bones defended her previous year’s win by coasting to a three length victory in the $45,000 Mesa Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Ridden by Miguel Hernandez, who was subbing for California-based rider Isaias Enriquez, Bully Bones ($7.40) took command at the head of the lane and easily drew away from Wild English Rose. It was another three and one-quarter lengths back to 2-1 favorite Evening Escort in the field of seven fillies and mares.

“All pick-up mounts should be this good,” said Hernandez, who was aboard Bully Bones in her 2006 Mesa Handicap win. “She was fresh and on her game today.”

Trained by David La Croix, the 4-year-old Bully Bones covered the 6 ½ furlongs in 1:15.88 for her fifth win in 11 career efforts for earnings of $230,086.

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December 10, 2007

Star of Whitney Remains Perfect with Turf Win

Star of Whitney kept her perfect six-for-six local turf record in tact by posting a popular victory in the $30,200 Ocean Bay Stakes Monday at Turf Paradise.

Sent postward the 3-5 favorite, Star of Whitney ($3.40) with Ry Eikleberry aboard delivered the winning punch with less than a sixteenth of a mile to the finish, besting the late-rallying Along Came Jones by a clear length. Pace-setter Colominas held the show spot in the field of eight fillies and mares.

“She loves this turf course and loves to win,” said Eikleberry, 18, of the 4-year-old Star of Whitney, who was scoring her ninth career win.

Trained by Dennis Sowers, Star of Whitney covered the 1 1/16 miles over soft turf in 1:45.51 for her third consecutive turf stakes victory this season.

Earlier, Reed Saldana, 25, of Los Angeles scored his first lifetime win by guiding longshot Sheik Guarani ($72.40) to victory in the first race.

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December 8, 2007

Highland Games Wins Hank Mills, Sr. Handicap

Highland Games turned on the afterburners to catch favored Nationhood in deep stretch and post a three-quarter length victory in the $45,000 Hank Mills, Sr. Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.

The race is named after the track’s first starter, who served in that capacity for over 25 years from when Turf Paradise opened in 1956. The winner’s trophy was presented by his son, Hank Mills, who serves as a steward at Turf Paradise.

Ridden by Glenn Corbett, Highland Games ($8.00) covered the one mile over muddy going in 1:37.67. Skipaslew rallied late to finish third in the field of six.

“This is a really talented horse that fires late with a strong kick,” said Corbett. “(Trainer) Lyman (Rollins) has done a wonderful job with him.”

The four-year-old Highland Games was winning for the fifth time in 16 career starts.

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December 2, 2007

Sunday’s Live Race Program Cancelled at Turf Paradise

Sunday’s live race program was cancelled due to track conditions at Turf Paradise.
Racing is scheduled to resume Monday, December 3 at 12:30 pm.

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December 1, 2007

Weir, Lewis Sweep Arizona Breeders’ Futurities

Owner Dennis Weir and trainer Kevin Lewis swept the two Arizona Breeders’ Futurities with Cave Springs and White Spar Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Mick Ruis guided the favored Cave Springs ($3.00) to a two-length victory over stablemate Table Mesa with Rerunner nearly ten lengths back in third to win the $57,605 fillies division to give Weir and Lewis their first futurity win. Cave Springs covered the 6 furlongs in 1:10.46 over sloppy going in the field of 12 two-year-old Arizona bred fillies.

Weir and Lewis, who lead their respective owner and trainer races, teamed up again to capture $64,145 colts and geldings division by five and one-quarter lengths with White Spar ($19.00) ridden by Sandi Gann. Ez Dreamer, ridden by Ruis, finished second, two lengths clear of the heavily favored and previously undefeated El Mirage, also owned and trained by Weir and Lewis.

White Spar covered the 6 furlongs in 1:09.78.

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November 17, 2007

Jockey Ricky Frazier Reaches 3,000 Win Plateau

Jockey Ricky Frazier inherited his 3000th career victory via disqualification with Miller’s Turbo in the $45,000 Paradise Valley Stakes, Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Miller’s Turbo ($7.60) and 4-5 favorite Song of Pirates with Seth Martinez up, pulled away from the field of ten three-year-olds in a virtual match race in the stretch. Song of Pirates, who had his neck in front at the wire, appeared to come over and brush Miller’s Turbo inside the sixteenth pole.

The stewards immediately posted the inquiry sign and after several minutes of reviewing the tape, reversed the order of finish, awarding the victory to Miller’s Turbo, who is conditioned by California-based trainer Doug O’Neill.

“I hate to get my milestone win that way,” said Frazier, 43. “But I’ll take a stakes victory any which way.”

Frazier got his first win at Louisiana Downs in 1981. He was twice leading rider at Sam Houston in 1994-1995 and three times leading jockey at Emerald Downs, including his record-setting performance of 157 wins in capturing the title this year.

“Right now I’m enjoying the beautiful weather in Phoenix and teaching my 15-year-old son Dylan to ride,” said Frazier

Frazier’s top mounts in 2007 include Margo’s Gift, winner of the Favorite Trick Breeders’ Cup Stakes and Smarty Deb, who finished fifth to eventual winner Indian Blessing in the $2,000,000 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.

Frazier also served as actor Toby Maguire’s stunt double in the movie “Seabiscuit” and in similar capacity in “Spider-Man 2”.

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November 17, 2007

Ricky Frazier Notches 3,000th Career Win, Star of Whitney Shines in Queen of the Green

While jockey Ricky Frazier inherited his 3000th career victory via disqualification with Miller’s Turbo in the $45,000 Paradise Valley Stakes, Star of Whitney remained undefeated in five starts over the local turf course by winning the $45,000 Queen of the Green Handicap Saturday at Turf Paradise.
“I hate to get my milestone win that way,” said Frazier, 43, who won his first race in 1981 at Louisiana Downs. “But I’ll take a stakes victory any which way.”
Miller’s Turbo ($7.60) and 4-5 favorite Song of Pirates with Seth Martinez up, pulled away from the field of ten three-year-olds in a virtual match race in the stretch. Song of Pirates, who had his neck in front at the wire, appeared to come over and brush Miller’s Turbo inside the sixteenth pole.
The Stewards posted the inquiry sign and after several minutes of reviewing the tape, reversed the order of finish, awarding the victory to Miller’s Turbo, who is conditioned by California-based trainer Doug O’Neill.
It was the second consecutive stakes that the talented Song of Pirates, a $900,000 two-year-old purchase trained by Michael Chambers, was disqualified from victory. In addition to the Paradise Valley disqualification, Song of Pirates was disqualified from a nearly four-length victory in the October 13 Saguaro Stakes, for jockey Glenn Corbett striking a rival across the nose with his whip.
Mr. Charlypotatoes finished third to complete the revised, official order of finish of the Paradise Valley. The winning time for the seven and one-half furlongs over firm turf was 1:29.36.
Meanwhile, Star of Whitney ($15.20), ridden by Ry Eikleberry, was two and one-half lengths clear of Along Came Jones with Beaulena another half-length back in third in the field of seven fillies and mares. California shipper and 6-5 favorite Shermeen (Ire) failed to menace and finished sixth.
“She’s got a serious kick and goes when she gets to the outside,” said Eikleberry, 18, of nearby Cave Creek, who was scoring his third win of the day.
Star of Whitney covered the one mile over the turf in 1:36.79.

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November 10, 2007


IRISH BRED GLORIFICAMUS UPSETS CHANDLER STAKES

Irish bred Glorificamus made her USA debut a winning one with leading rider Chris Landeros aboard by upsetting the $45,000 Chandler Stakes Saturday at Turf Paradise.

Purchased two and one-half months ago by Phoenix businessman Ken Porter, Glorificamus ($24.40) lunged her head in front of 4-5 favorite Silk Degrees, with Zaylaway another length back and only a nose in front of Whimsical Miss in a dramatic four-horse photo finish.

“I bought her and four other horses when I was in Ireland recently,” said Porter. “I didn’t know what to expect in her first start. I’m pleased to say the least. Chris rode her brilliantly.”

Trained by Dan McFarlane, Glorificamus, who was scoring her second win in nine career outings, covered the 7 ½ furlongs over firm turf in 1:23.68.

“I’ve had her for only about five weeks,” said McFarlane. “I couldn’t be happier with the way she handled her new surroundings.”

Glorificamus broke on top but was quickly taken back by Landeros.

“She ran like she had never been on the lead before,” said Landeros, 19. “She was pricking her ears, wondering what was going on. So, I took her back and waited for the race to unfold.”

As Silk Degrees led the field into the stretch with the trio of Glorificamus, Zaylaway and Whimsical Miss in close pursuit, Landeros lodged his bid.

“A hole opened, and then it closed,” said Landeros. “Then it opened again and that’s when I asked her to go through it. She did so willingly.”

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October 21, 2007

LONGSHOT A FASTER STREAKER WINS CHALLENGE CHAMPIONSHIP

Cave Creek-based owner Lloyd Yother’s A Faster Streaker got the nod in a four-horse photo finish to win the $77,040 Bank of America West/Southwest Challenge Championship (G2) for Quarter Horses Sunday at Turf Paradise Race Course.

Ridden by Eddie Garcia, A Faster Streaker ($44.40) stretched his head in front of See If I Care who was a neck ahead of Brindis Por Cayene, with 8-5 favorite Value The Man a half-length further back in fourth in the field of ten older horses.

“It’s been a long time coming between major stakes wins,” said Yother, who also won the $7,300 Mark T Bars Stakes earlier in the program with Southern Discomfort ($38.00). “My last big win came at Los Al (Los Alamitos) in 2001.”

The winner, who earned a berth in the $350,000 Championship Final at Los Alamitos on November 2, raced the 440 yards in :21.37.

“I’m not kidding myself, he’ll be in tough in the Finals,” said Yother. “And he’s never raced under the lights (Los Alamitos races at night). So, we’ll leave early and get him use to it. A lot of money is at stake.”

Note: Two-year-old Lp Leading Effort ($11.40) set a new track record of :17.44 for 350 yards in winning the $45,450 Ford West/Southwest Juvenile Challenge. The mark of :17.47 was set by Secret Return in 2001.

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October 20, 2007

LONGSHOTS DOMINATE ATBA SALES STAKES

Overlooked in the wagering Bjorklund ($34.00) and Timehascometoday ($37.20) upset their respective divisions of the ATBA Sales Stakes, giving trainer Larry Wells an almost sweep of the two juvenile races, Saturday at Turf Paradise.

“I thought we had a real chance of winning both,” said Wells, who won the $77,745 filly division with Bjorlund. “Oh, but for a nose we would have swept.” Wells’ Stormy Highland was a head shy of Timehascometoday, winner of the colts and geldings division.

Reserved in fifth through much of the six furlong test, Bjorklund made her move under Michael Iammarino in deep stretch, prevailing by a neck over second favorite Unbidable. Undefeated in two prior starts and favorite Benchmark Bounty finished third, a length and a quarter behind the runner up. Bjorklund covered the distance in 1:12.39 in a full field of 12 juvenile misses.

“When this filly figures it out, she’ll be dangerous,” said Wells. “She raced greenly today.” Bjorklund was making her fifth career start.

In notching his first win of the race meet, Tony Matteucci, guided Timehascometoday to a ground-saving trip to prevail by a head over Stormy Highland in the $74,436 division for colts and geldings. The favored Rule by Force was third in the field of 12 colts and geldings. The winner covered the six furlongs for trainer Dara Osborne in 1:11.53.

“It was certainly the biggest win I’ve had locally,” said Matteucci.

Since Bjorklund and Timehascometoday are state breds purchased out of the 2005 ATBA Fall Sales, each were eligible for Arizona bred incentives in addition to 50% of the base purse. Bjorklund earned $63,872 for her victory and Timehascometoday $62,218 for his.

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October 16, 2007

TWO-YEAR-OLDS FEATURED IN SEVENTY GRAND ATBA STAKES

Two full fields of aspiring two-year-old fillies and colt and geldings will be featured in their respective divisions in the Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association (ATBA) Fall Sales Stakes, Saturday at Turf Paradise.
Both stakes will be contested at six furlongs. Fillies will carry 117 pounds; colts and geldings 120 pounds.
Undefeated Benchmark’s Bounty, who will be ridden by Jocelyne Kenny, heads the $77,745 fillies division. The $17,000 yearling purchase won her maiden debut at Yavapai Downs in September by nearly 13 lengths. Benchmark’s Bounty then went wire-to-wire in winning her ATBA Trial by three-quarters of a length over Unbidable on October 5.
The Eric Kruljac-trained Unbidable finished a game second in her maiden voyage at Del Mar in August and then followed that with another runner-up effort to Benchmark’s Bounty. Unbidable was 16-lengths clear of the third place horse.
Favoritism in the $74,436 colts and geldings division will vie between Rule by Force and Stormy Highland, who won their respective Trials, each covering the 6 furlongs in an identical time of 1:11.1.
Fetching $40,000 as a yearling, Rule by Force, trained by octogenarian Lyman Rollins, has won three of six efforts, including the Yavapai Downs Futurity, for earnings of $51,473.
Stormy Highland has won two of five starts for trainer Larry Wells and finished second to Rule by Force in the Yavapai Futurity.
Closely matched in talent, Rule by Force and Stormy Highland share the highly prized sire, Storm Cat, as their grandsire.

Notes: Current leading rider Chris Landeros put together back-to-back, triple win days on Monday and Tuesday. “Trainers are giving me opportunities and things are going my way right now,” said Landeros, 19. “I feel grateful.”

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October 12, 2007

Veteran Barron H Wins 18th Career Race

Apparently not ready to retire any time soon, nine-year-old Barron H, registered his 18th victory while making his 70th career start in winning the fourth race Friday at Turf Paradise.

Ridden by the meet’s current leading rider, Chris Landeros, for trainer Troy Bainum, the favored Barron H ($3.60) won in a hand ride by six lengths over his five rivals, covering the 5 ½ furlongs in 1:03.98.

“He’s an old trooper and his record speaks for itself,” said Landeros, 19. “He just galloped for the fun of winning.”

In addition to 18 lifetime wins, Barron H has 17 seconds and 10 thirds for earnings of $383,318.

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