Az Ridge stretches out against proven stayers in Wildcat Handicap
PHOENIX – Az Ridge, arguably the top grass horse at Turf Paradise, takes on some new challenges in the form of a longer distance and a couple of threatening Southern California raiders as he heads Saturday’s $35,000 Wildcat Handicap. The 1 3/8-mile grass event drew a field of 10.
Owned by Sawyer Cattle Co. and trained by Dan McFarlane, Az Ridge comes off an impressive win in the Turf Paradise Handicap on Feb. 14. That came at 1 1/16 miles, so it’s a new ballgame here.
Perfect Set invades from California after an easy win over $16,000 restricted claimers going 1 1/16 miles on dirt. He was claimed that day by Matthew Chew as owner and trainer. He’s winless in six turf starts but once flashed ability on this footing.
Juniper Pass, owned by Charles Garvey and TG Racing and trained by Robertino Diodoro, knocked heads with some of the best stayers in Southern California from 2011-13. He was then sidelined almost a year, came back to run seventh in a dirt sprint at Santa Anita on Jan. 29, and was claimed by Diodoro, presumably with a race like this in mind.
Also on the card is the $35,000 Arizona Stallion Stakes at 7 1/2 furlongs on turf (race 2). Jungle Java, a romping maiden winner on turf here Feb. 3 and a sharp second in the Tempe Handicap on turf here March 14, heads a field of six.
WILDCAT H. (RACE 7)
KEY CONTENDERS
Perfect Set (Last 3 Beyers: 84-78-76)
◗ He showed distance ability when third going 1 1/2 miles on Del Mar’s synthetic main track Nov. 30.
◗ He showed that he holds his edge with a sharp six-furlong work at Santa Anita on March 26 (1:13.80).
Juniper Pass (Last 3 Beyers: 59-87-88)
◗ He is a proven stayer, having won the Grade 2 San Juan Capistrano at Santa Anita in April 2011. He hasn’t won since but was routinely competitive in long-distance graded stakes.
◗ He makes his first start for Diodoro, who is a strong 28 percent off the claim in 2014-15.
Az Ridge (Last 3 Beyers: 94-90-91)
◗ He has ample tactical speed to be forwardly placed from the start.
◗ The longest he’s raced was 1 1/8 miles in the Sunland Park Handicap last April. He dueled before ending up fifth.