Pacific Nights, Blue Bomber meet again in Wildcat Handicap
PHOENIX – The stayers get their chance in the spotlight Saturday at Turf Paradise in the $25,000 Wildcat Handicap. The 1 3/8-mile turf event for 3-year-olds and up drew a field of eight, headed by familiar rivals Pacific Nights and Blue Bomber. This is the traditional local prep for the meet’s closing-day event on May 8, the $35,000 Hasta La Vista at 1 7/8 miles on turf.
Pacific Nights, owned by F. Clell Sherwood and trained by Lisa Gangidino, has won 2 of his last 3. He won easily here going a mile on turf in an optional claimer Feb. 3, ran sixth in the Turf Paradise Handicap on Feb. 13, and then won by a nose over Blue Bomber in an optional claimer at about 7 1/2 furlongs on turf here Feb. 28.
Blue Bomber, owned by Jim McFadyen and trained by Robertino Diodoro, hasn’t won since last August on turf at Canterbury Park but still comes here sharp. After a three-month layoff, he ran fourth to Pacific Nights here Feb. 3, was beaten a nose by Pacific Nights on turf here Feb. 28, and was then second, beaten a neck, in a one-mile optional claimer on turf here March 19. This is his first try going this far.
Also on the Saturday card is the $35,000 Arizona Stallion Stakes at about 7 1/2 furlongs on turf. The event for 3-year-olds drew a field of 10, headed by Heber, who is the only horse in the field with a turf win.
WILDCAT HANDICAP (race 6)
KEY CONTENDERS
Pacific Nights, by More Than Ready
Last 3 Beyers: 89-88-80
◗ All five of his wins on grass have come on this course.
◗ He showed some stamina when a respectable fourth in the 1 7/8-mile Hasta La Vista here last May.
Blue Bomber, by Congrats
Last 3 Beyers: 85-89-68
◗ He has considerable speed and may be the one to catch.
◗ He is 0 for 10 on this course, with three seconds and two thirds.
Sir Searsucker, by Shakespeare
Last 3 Beyers: 83-79-85
◗ Rattled off four straight grass wins at Canterbury Park, Kentucky Downs, Indiana Grand, and here before finishing eighth in the Turf Paradise Handicap on Feb. 13.
◗ He is 2 for 2 at this 1 3/8-mile distance.