Ready Intaglio tries to turn tables in Turf Paradise Derby
PHOENIX – The top three finishers from Turf Paradise’s 6 1/2-furlong Lost in the Fog Stakes on Dec. 26 – Arizona Moon, Senator Robert, and Ready Intaglio – renew acquaintances in Saturday’s $50,000 Turf Paradise Derby.
There’s a little more on the line this time, and it’s a new distance – 1 1/16 miles. Eight 3-year-olds are entered.
Also on the card is the $35,000 Arizona Oaks. That one-mile event for 3-year-old fillies drew 11, including an also-eligible.
While Ready Intaglio ran third in the Lost in the Fog, he might be poised to turn the tables on the two horses who outfinished him. Owned and trained by Eurico Martens, he has since rallied strongly to win a one-mile optional claimer here Jan. 25.
Arizona Moon won the Lost in the Fog, rallying from far back for trainer Stacy Campo in his only dirt start. Arizona Moon has never run beyond a mile.
Senator Robert has never raced beyond 6 1/2 furlongs. After two wins at Golden Gate Fields, he came here for the Lost in the Fog, dueled early, and ran second. He represents dangerous speed on the rail on the stretch-out.
Another of interest is Nightly News. After flashing talent in Southern California last year, he was gone for three months but resurfaced here with a 10 1/2-length win over maidens while routing for new trainer Dan McFarlane. He’s a half-brother to Indian Blessing, who won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies at this distance and was champion 2-year-old filly.
Protective Shield looms as the one to beat in the Arizona Oaks (race 5). A daughter of Lookin At Lucky, Protective Shield is unbeaten and untested in two starts, both romping wins here in December, including the Arizona Juvenile Fillies Stakes. Both were sprints, so this is a new trip, but she is bred to relish a route. She has been working wonderfully, including a six-furlong move in 1:11.20 here last Sunday.
Turf Paradise Derby, Race 7
KEY CONTENDERS
Ready Intaglio, by Indygo Shiner
Last 3 Beyers: 63-65-70
◗ Has shown versatility, going wire to wire to win by 11 3/4 lengths on dirt at Northlands Park on Sept. 12 and rallying from well back to win routing on dirt here Jan. 25.
◗ Signaled his readiness with a bullet four-furlong work in 46.80 seconds here Feb. 10.
Senator Robert, by Sierra Sunset
Last 3 Beyers: 66-63-68
◗ Tries a route for the first time, but his sire won three routes, including the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes.
With his speed and the rail draw, he figures to be prominent from the start on the stretch-out.
Arizona Moon, by Macho Uno
Last 3 Beyers: 68-69-69
◗ Rallied from far back to win his only dirt start, the Lost in the Fog at six furlongs here.
◗ Might enjoy this longer trip as he’s by 2-year-old champion Macho Uno, who won the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile on dirt at this distance.