Hollywood Park: Turbulent Descent looks sharp taking Desert Stormer in comeback

INGLEWOOD, Calif.- The $72,570 Desert Stormer Handicap at Betfair Hollywood Park on Sunday had the lowest prize money of the six stakes that Turbulent Descent has won in her 11-race career. It felt like the most important to trainer Mike Puype and the partnership who own the filly after the race.

Making her first start since December, Turbulent Descent had an ideal comeback in the Desert Stormer for fillies and mares, winning by 1 1/4 lengths over pacesetter Izzy Rules.

“I wanted to see her come back and start the right way,” Puype said. “You want to see her come back to form. I’m happy to have her back.”

Ridden by David Flores, Turbulent Descent ($5) had an ideal trip.

Flores positioned Turbulent Descent in second on the backstretch, racing four lengths behind Izzy Rules. Moving closer to the leader on the turn, Turbulent Descent took the lead near the eighth pole and was best in the final furlong, drawing off.

A 4-year-old filly by Congrats, Turbulent Descent finished six furlongs in 1:09.25.

“David got her in position and settled her nicely into a perfect trip,” Puype said.

Izzy Rules finished 4 1/2 lengths in front of Mildly Offensive, who was followed by Switch, Teddy’s Promise, and Great Hot.

Turbulent Descent, Switch, and Teddy’s Promise have won Grade 1 stakes.

Switch was fifth early in the Desert Stormer and finished a nose behind Mildly Offensive. Teddy’s Promise was never a threat to the front-runners.

Turbulent Descent has won 7 of 11 starts and $901,640. The winner of the Grade 1 Las Virgenes Stakes and Grade 1 Test Stakes last year, Turbulent Descent had not raced since finishing sixth behind Teddy’s Promise in the Grade 1 La Brea Stakes at Santa Anita last December.

Puype said that the Desert Stormer was a prep for the $200,000 A Gleam Handicap for fillies and mares over seven furlongs on July 14.