Pure and Simple upsets in Sun Devil

Pure and Simple, who had previously been no match for a couple of the same fillies in the 6 1/2-furlong Arizona Juvenile Filly, found a mile to her liking as she gained her revenge with a 23-1 upset in the $50,000 Sun Devil at Turf Paradise on Saturday.

Owned by Stuart Tsujimoto and trained by Molly Pearson, Pure and Simple dogged the early pacesetter, Jimbos Fire An, into submission, took over down the backside, and then blew the race open with a big run into the lane that sent her well clear. She eventually held on comfortably to win by four lengths under Glenn Corbett.

Bitterbutsweet ran on well from seventh to be second in the field of nine 3-year-old fillies, while La Misma closed from last to get third. Heavily favored Nook and Granny stalked the pace but fell apart into the lane, finishing seventh. Well regarded Cave Springs sat midpack but had nothing for the drive, ending up eighth.

Pure and Simple covered the mile in 1:37.82 and paid $48 for the upset. The winners share of $30,000 pushed her career earnings $78,066 from 3 wins in 8 starts. This win may earn her a berth in the $75,000 Arizona Oaks at Turf Paradise on Feb. 9.