Family Guy sports 2 big wins

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Family Guy found what he needed last month at Turf Paradise in Phoenix - an easy spot. "We brought him over here for a little confidence builder," trainer Eric Kruljac said.

Family Guy responded Oct. 4, winning a first-condition allowance by eight lengths with an outstanding 101 Beyer. And he did it without blowing a condition.

The winner's share of the one-other-than purse was $7,440, which means Family Guy remains eligible for the best race Thursday at Hollywood - a 5 1/2-furlong one-other-than sprint for Cal-breds. Southern California allowance conditions do not penalize horses that win races worth less than $7,500 to the winner.

Family Guy won the Arizona race "ridden out," and came out of the race ready for more.

"He's training better than ever," Kruljac said, while admitting, "he lacks consistency. He has his good days, and when he's not having a good day he says the heck with it."

has won 2 of 8; his Turf Paradise romp was the second time that he ran off the charts. In March at Santa Anita, Family Guy won a maiden race by seven lengths with a 101 Beyer. If Family Guy produces a similar effort Thursday, he can win again under Tyler Baze.

The race includes , a winner of four straight claiming races; Great Action, re-claimed last time by Mark Molina; Changing Lanes, who is eligible for an easier starter allowance; and Excess Taxes, who so far is a one-hit wonder from six starts.

Turf Paradise, a grass oasis

Turf Paradise has become an integral part of the Southern California circuit. Lower purses aside, horsemen are finding opportunities in Arizona that are unavailable at Hollywood Park - such as grass races and easy allowances.

Chinese Dragon, a multiple stakes winner on the comeback trail, ships to Turf Paradise on Saturday for a turf race, which he could not get at Hollywood. Trainer Bob Hess would prefer to stay home, but after six months with a popped splint, Chinese Dragon needs a tune-up, and the $40,000 Paradise Valley Handicap fits.

"I'm looking for a prep for the Sir Beaufort," Hess said, referring to the one-mile turf stakes on Dec. 26 at Santa Anita. Chinese Dragon drew post 9 in the 7 1/2-furlong Paradise Valley, and at 127 pounds he concedes eight or more pounds.

Hess said the colt is "doing super." The race is what he needs - a prep on turf.