Frisky Ricky finds right level

Frisky Ricky's proven turf form and a class drop paid off as the 3-year-old led all the way to post a facile win in Saturday's $51,939 Arizona Stallion Stakes at Turf Paradise.

Owned by Arrowhead Racing and trained by Wilton Whitehouse, the son of Rocky Bar led all the way to beat $16,000 claimers in his turf debut here Feb. 3, but then found open foes too tough when seventh in the Tempe Handicap on this course March 14. He moved in against restricted company and under Akifumi Kato jumped right out to a clear lead in the 7 1/2-furlong grass event and never really had an anxious moment thereafter, reporting home 2 3/4 lengths in front. French Hit, the 8-5 favorite in the field of seven, stalked the pace and tried to make a run at the winner through the lane but had to settle for second. Who's Ralph finished third.

Frisky Ricky ran the distance in 1:30.23 and paid $6.60. The winner's share of $28,855 pushes his career earnings to $43,123 from three wins in eight starts.