Izzy the Warrior tops Diodoro exacta in Bienvenidos Stakes

PHOENIX – Izzy the Warrior ($7.20) cut back to a sprint and that did the trick as the 5-year-old son of Warrior’s Reward, who was claimed for just $16,000 at Churchill Downs on May 2, captured Saturday’s $30,000 Bienvenidos Stakes as Turf Paradise opened its 131-day meet.

The 5-year-old, owned by Randy Marriott and trained by Robertino Diodoro – the leading trainer here the past three seasons – set the pace before tiring to third in a route stakes at Canterbury Park on Sept. 14. Racing at Turf Paradise for the first time Saturday and cut back to 6 1/2 furlongs, Izzy the Warrior broke well under Francisco Arrieta to stalk while saving ground as Kaabraaj set a strong pace under heavy pressure from Creative Art. The winner came with a smart run up the inside, grabbed the lead into the lane, edged clear, and then stayed on gamely to fend off hard-trying 8-5 favorite Bourbon Cowboy by a half-length.

Izzy the Warrior's final time over a sloppy, sealed track was 1:15.17.

Bourbon Cowboy, coming off two wins at Canterbury Park, made it a Diodoro exacta. The 6-year-old son of Cowboy Cal raced with the winner much of the way, made a wide run at the lead into the lane, and finished well for second. Freedom Hill, claimed for $20,000 when second at Emerald Downs last time out on Aug. 31, lagged back and came with a decent wide run to finish third in the field of eight.

The winner’s share of $18,042 gives him earnings of $158,457 from 6 wins in 18 starts.