Power Corrupt game in Wildcat Handicap victory

PHOENIX – Power Corrupt's two big wins early in the meet were so impressive that when he failed to threaten in a couple of subsequent stakes this winter at Turf Paradise, you wondered if he'd soured. He got back on track with a nice optional claiming win here on Feb. 25, and validated the notion he was indeed back to top form as he proved a game winner of Saturday’s $30,000 Wildcat Handicap at Turf Paradise.

Owned by Mitch Sutherland and trained by Jim Brown, Power Corrupt ($5.40), a 5-year-old gelded son of Storm Victory, bided his time early in the 1 3/8-mile grass event as Blue Bomber set a pressured but modest pace. Power Corrupt remained midpack to the top of the lane, came out for room, and finished resolutely under Sahin Civaci to win by a head over stubborn rival High Security. It was just another neck back to Stratton in third.

Sent off as the 8-5 favorite in the field of 11, Power Corrupt ran the distance in 2:16. The winner’s share of $17,484 pushes his bankroll to $169,411 from 11 wins in 29 starts. He’s now 4 for 5 on grass. This may set him up for a shot at the 1 7/8-mile Hasta La Vista Handicap here on closing day May 6.

John Arnold wires Arizona Stallion Stakes

John Arnold ($3.40) was the only horse in the $32,823 Arizona Stallion Stakes with proven turf form and it showed as the son of Ez Effort captured this 7 1/2-furlong grass event for horses conceived by a nominated stallion standing in Arizona.

Owned by J. Lloyd Yother and Kevin Eikleberry and trained by Eikleberry, the gelded 3-year-old went right to the lead under Scott Stevens, held a narrow advantage while being dogged by longshot Revy Set Go, dispatched with that one turning for home, opened up a clear lead and maintained his advantage under a hand ride to win by two lengths as the 7-10 favorite. Bonita Annie stalked and ran on to be a clear second while second-choice Bonita Boss rallied for third in the field of six.

He ran the distance in 1:30.71. The winner’s share of $18,240 gives him earnings of $40,383 from three wins in eight starts.