Turf Paradise: Jaws n' Paws repeats in Mesa Handicap

PHOENIX – E Z Kitty may be the leading lady routing at Turf Paradise these days, but Jaws n’ Paws let it be known Saturday that the distaff sprint division still belongs to her, as the 6-year-old mare dominated the $35,000 Mesa Handicap for the second straight year.

Owned by Stateside Racing and trained by Robertino Diodoro, the daughter of Onebadshark romped by eight lengths in an optional claimer here Feb. 8, her first start in more than seven months. That race apparently served her well.

Under Geovanni Franco on Saturday, she was no match for sizzler Page Springs from the gate but bided her time, sitting a clear second while Page Springs set fast fractions in the 6 1/2-furlong event. Jaws n’ Paws went after that tiring foe turning for home, while Love Makor moved up to challenge as well. Jaws n’ Paws dispatched with Love Makor into the lane and drew clear to win comfortably by 2 1/2 lengths as the 6-5 second choice.

E Z Kitty, the even-money favorite, lagged back and finished well but never really scared the winner, while Love Makor ran third. Page Springs finished fourth in the field of seven.

Jaws n’ Paws, now a perfect 4 for 4 here, ran the distance in 1:17.34 on the muddy (sealed) track and paid $4.60. The winner’s share of $21,266 gave her earnings of $276,026 from 13 wins in 28 starts.