Old rivals meet in Phoenix

Famous Gal and Against the Law, the two best 3-year-old sprinting fillies on the Arizona circuit, recently ran one-two, separated by a half-length. They renew their rivalry Saturday in the $45,000 City of Phoenix at Turf Paradise.

Trouble is, this six-furlong event isn't for 3-year-olds only. Those two girls figure tough again, but now they take on some tough elders in a field of 12.

Famous Gal and Against the Law have had a number of duels, with Against the Law holding the advantage late in their 2-year-old season and early this year when she won the La Paz, To the Post, and Dancin at the Wire.

However, Famous Gal, trained by Joe Johnson, easily beat Against the Law in the Cactus Cup here March 11. Then, after a lengthy vacation, she came back in the Oct. 6 Ahwatukee Express here, and led all the way to just outlast Against the Law. Juan Rivera has the call again on Famous Gal.

Against the Law, trained by Dan McFarlane, hasn't won since the Dancin at the Wire here Feb. 3, but the way she hounded Famous Gal through every step of the Ahwatukee Express shows she's back on her game. Glenn Corbett rides.

The 7-year-old Beaulena figures to make it tough on the two 3-year-olds. Last year, Beaulena came here after an Emerald Downs campaign and a layoff and posted a 20-1 upset in this race. Trained by Blaine Wright, she again ships in from an Emerald Downs campaign off a layoff. Mick Ruis rides.

Toppisme invades from California for trainer Gary Mandella. The 4-year-old filly finished second in an optional claimer at Bay Meadows last out. Leading rider Chris Landeros has the call.

Newport Topper returns from a fine Southern California campaign for trainer Debbie O'Brien. Two of her three wins have come here. Seth Martinez rides.

* Turf Paradise goes with a special first post time of 11:55 a.m. on Saturday, Breeders' Cup Day.