'Mike' favored off easy victory

PHOENIX - Hi It's Mike made himself quite an introduction to the Turf Paradise racing scene when he invaded from Southern California on Dec. 6 to romp in a maiden race. That performance is likely to make him the favorite in Monday's $40,000 Arizona Juvenile at Turf Paradise.

The 6 1/2-furlong race lured a field of nine, including top Arizona-bred 2-year-olds Levelled and Hey Slick.

Hi It's Mike did little in his first two starts, both in September in Southern California. Trainer Boyd Shulberg freshened him up, moved him to Turf Paradise, and was rewarded when Hi It's Mike jumped right out to the lead, opened up a huge advantage into the lane, and won by five lengths while under wraps. He earned a 77 Beyer Speed Figure, the best in Monday's field. Miguel Hernandez rides.

Levelled, trained by Molly Pearson, rallied from last to post a 13-1 upset in the Arizona Breeders Futurity on Dec. 3. That win corresponded with the removal of blinkers, which apparently moved him up. Mick Ruis rides.

Hey Slick also rallied in the Arizona Breeders Futurity but couldn't match Levelled in the final furlongs, finishing fourth as the 2-1 favorite. Trained by Kory Owens, Hey Slick had won his career debut with a big rally. Glen Corbett rides again.

Coastal King invades from Emerald Downs after holding his own against some of Washington's top 2-year-olds in the summer and fall for trainer Frank Lucarelli.

Keagan looked super easily winning in the Fool the Experts at Turf Paradise on Nov. 28 for trainer Eric Kruljac. Prior to that, he ran second in the ATBA Sales Stakes on Oct. 15.

Goin' Dancin was second in his debut at Emerald Downs, then resurfaced at Turf Paradise on Dec. 10 and romped over maidens by more than 12 lengths for new trainer Troy Smith.