Breeders Derby tops five Arizona-bred stakes
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PHOENIX – The spotlight shines on the local product at Turf Paradise on Saturday as Arizona-bred day is comprised of five stakes showcasing the state’s breeding industry.
The hub of the action is the Gene Fleming Breeders Derby for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles (race 6). The other stakes are the Ann Owens Distaff for fillies and mares, 3-years-old and up at six furlongs (race 8); the Dwight D. Patterson for 3-year-olds and up at a mile on turf (race 9); the Joanne Dye Breeders Oaks for 3-year-old fillies at 1 1/16 miles (race 3); and the Lyman and Bradley Rollins for 3-year-olds and up at six furlongs.
The Derby drew a field of seven, headed by Rock’n Awesome. The 3-year-old son of Rocky Bar owned by Triple AAA Ranch and trained by Robertino Diodoro, comes off two romping sprint wins. Sharp as he is, he’s asked to route for the first time Saturday.
Go Sparky, owned by Kevin Owens and trained by Ryan Kenney, had been the leading 3-year-old Arizona-bred male, winning his first three starts. However, he was beaten in his last two starts and will also be asked to route for the first time. Tapit Warrior and Ez Cowboy have route experience, having run first and second, respectively, going a mile here two months ago.
In the other stakes action:
◗ Rascally Rabbit leads a field of five in the Breeders Oaks. The 3-year-old daughter of Lotsa Mischief, owned by Kevin Eikleberry, Reunion Racing Stables, and Jeffery Cox and trained by Eikleberry is back in against peers after running second against males in the Arizona Stallion Stakes here March 26.
◗ Katar looms a heavy favorite against four in the Lyman and Bradley Rollins. The 6-year-old son of Rocky Bar owned by Triple AAA Ranch and trained by Robertino Diodoro comes off a decisive win in the Cactus Wren here April 1, making him 9 for 13 on this track.
◗ Squeeze the Day looks for a fifth straight win in the Distaff, leading a field of nine. The 4-year-old daughter of Lotsa Mischief, who is owned by Eikleberry, Reunion Racing Stables, and Jeffery Cox and trained by Eikleberry, has been on a roll and her last two wins came in stakes. She faces Bangie Go and Sharp Attitude, who ran second and third, respectively, behind her in the Cactus Flower here April 1. Both were beaten less than a half-length. Last year’s winner Lucky Burglar is back to defend her title.
◗ Time to Fly has yet to try turf but pedigree and current form could still carry him to victory against four in the Dwight D. Patterson. The 4-year-old gelded son of Lotsa Mischief, owned by Eikleberry, Reunion Racing Stables, and Jeffery Cox and trained by Eikleberry, comes off a fourth in a dirt sprint stakes. While he has no turf experience, he’s won at a mile on dirt.
Jacked Up, owned by Triple AAA Ranch and trained by Kenny, ran third in his only turf starts, which came here Dec. 1. He has been freshened since a romping win over optional-claimers on this main track Feb. 17.
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