Weekend Stakes Races – Turf Paradise Derby

Turf Paradise Derby and Grade II San Carlos Handicap

Race-day: 2/21/2009

One of the little known tracks on the west coast is in Phoenix, Arizona. Turf Paradise has been around for a very long time, but most horseplayers don’t make bets on Turf Paradise races as often as they do on races at the California and New York tracks.

The BetOnline online racebook does offer wagering on Turf Paradise races. It just so happens that Turf Paradise is running one of our weekend stakes races, the Turf Paradise Derby.

Our other weekend stakes race will be run at Santa Anita Park. That’s the Grade II San Carlos Handicap.

Let’s analyze the races.

Turf Paradise – Race 7

Turf Paradise Derby

$100,000

For Three Year Olds

1 1/16th miles on dirt

Often times, the colt that wins these lower level 3-year old restricted races hasn’t even broken his maiden. Such is the case with Pauper’s Prize who is running in his third lifetime race. Jockey Martin Garcia makes the trip from SoCal to take the reins for the son of Repent. The stretch-out from 6 ½ furlongs to this route distance should suit this fella well. He’s the top pick. The Bob Baffert trained Mayor Marv gets the services of David Flores and has 1 win, 3 second place finishes, and 1 third place finish out of 6 lifetime races. He’s coming off of a maiden victory but he’s out of Distorted Humor and finished second to The Pamplemousse three races back. That means he should be tough in this. Hidden Bounty lacks the speed ratings of the top two, but local trainer Bart Hone and jockey Willie Dieguez have been living large due to the colt’s ability. Bred for only $8,000, Hidden Bounty has a running line of 5-2-1 out of 8 starts. He’s garnered over $104,000 and deserves a shot in this.

1. Pauper’s Prize

2. Mayor Marv

3. Hidden Bounty

Santa Anita – Race 4

Grade II San Carlos Handicap

$150,000

For Four Year Olds and Up

7 furlongs

Tom Amoss sends Mutadda from the Fair Grounds to Santa Anita to try the Grade II San Carlos. Mutadda has been running very well recently in minor stakes and optional claiming races. This is a step-up, but he’s the logical choice to take down the chalk. The chalk is Georgie Boy who was sensational in the Sunshine Millions Sprint on January 24th. Georgie Boy will be about a 3 to 5 favorite in this. He’s not invincible but he looks awfully tough. Past the Point will be going from route races to this one turn 7 furlong distance for trainer Eoin Harty. He’s got some ability and could make a run for the top prize if he can adjust to the distance.

1. Mutadda

2. Georgie Boy

3. Past the Point