Arizona Stallion boils down to two contenders

Who's Ralph is on the way up. Frisky Ricky is on the way. That adds up to a collision on the grass at Turf Paradise as the two 3-year-olds lead the $50,000 Arizona Stallion Stakes.

The 7 1/2-furlong turf event, for foals conceived by a nominated Arizona stallion, drew a field seven.

With several in the field unproven on turf and three still being maidens, the bulk of the wagering dollars figure to go to Who's Ralph and Frisky Ricky.

Who's Ralph, trained by Troy Smith, didn't seem to be going anywhere as a sprinter last fall as a maiden. Smith gave him some time off and brought him back routing this winter. Who's Ralph improved right away, dueling for the lead and finishing fourth in his first turf try locally Jan. 23. He then dueled for the lead and ran fourth in the mud Feb. 8 before putting it all together going a mile on turf in a maiden race Feb. 27. He stalked the pace, opened up on the far turn and into the lane, and held on. This is a tougher spot, but Who's Ralph seems quite comfortable on the turf at this type of distance. Seth Martinez rides.

Frisky Ricky won his maiden sprinting on the main track Jan. 17. He showed versatility Feb. 3 when, in his first route, first turf try, and first run against winners, he opened up early and held on to beat $16,000 claimers. The horse he beat, One Call, came right back to win and is entered in a turf stakes Sunday.

Trained by Wilton Whitehouse, Frisky Ricky tried much tougher in the Tempe Handicap at a mile on the turf March 14, faltering to finish seventh. Akifumi Kato has the call again.