Kennebec, Saline River renew rivalry in closing-day handicap

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Kennebec and Saline River renew their rivalry as the $50,000 Richard Hazelton Handicap brings down the curtain on the Turf Paradise season.

The Phoenix track was basically being given last rites after last year’s meet, but it got the proverbial call from the governor for a reprieve as track management and horsemen agreed on at least another three years of live racing. That means the Phoenix track will race through the spring of 2027.

Kennebec and Saline River lead a field of 10 in the Hazelton, scheduled for 1 3/8 miles on the turf. The two runners have knocked heads a few times this stand, splitting their four meetings. Kennebec, a 7-year-old owned by Kirk Sutherland and trained by Juan Gutierrez, may go favored off his win in the Cotton Fitzsimmons here March 22. Saline River, a 5-year-old owned by Charles Garvey and trained by Robertino Diodoro, won the Walter Cluer over Kennebec before finishing second to that foe in the Fitzsimmons.

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The main dangers to the two locals are None Above the Law, a Southern California raider who has faced high-quality opposition there, and Tallis, who likewise competed in Southern California before coming here to romp in an allowance race on April 22.

* Also on Saturday's closing-day card is the $60,000 Turf Paradise Open Sprint Futurity. A field of 10 juveniles goes five furlongs, led by top qualifiers Whiskey High, Code of Valor, and Tommy Norris.

* Dates have yet to be announced for the 2025-26 season, though it’s expected to be a similar timetable, starting in the fall and going into next spring.

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