Phoenix Gold Cup a meet highlight

PHOENIX - Turf Paradise unveiled its stakes schedule for the upcoming 2009-10 meet, which features 41 stakes valued at $2.1 million.

The 156-day meet, the 54th Turf Paradise stand, opens Oct. 2 and runs through May 2, 2010. Live racing will be conducted Friday through Tuesday with first post of 12:30 p.m. Full-card simulcasting is offered seven days a week.

The stand kicks off with the $50,000 Luke Kruytbosch. The six-furlong event for 3-year-olds is named in honor of the former track announcer who died in July 2008 at 47. Kruytbosch had called the races at the Phoenix track since 1993.

The meet's marquee events are the $75,000 Cotton Fitzsimmons at a mile on turf Jan. 16; the $100,000 Phoenix Gold Cup at six furlongs Feb. 13; and $100,000 Turf Paradise Derby at 1 1/16 miles Feb. 20.

The $75,000 Arizona Oaks at one mile will also be run on Feb. 20, while the traditional closing-day fixture, the $50,000 Hasta La Vista Handicap at 1 7/8 miles on the turf, will be renewed May 2.