Shesa Private I crushes City of Phoenix

Shesa Private I came back after more than 14 months on the bench to romp in an optional claimer at Turf Paradise on Oct. 20, hinting she was back and better than ever.

It's a hint no longer as the 6-year-old mare stepped up and blasted her rivals again, romping in Saturday's $50,000 City of Phoenix Stakes at Turf Paradise.

Owned by Tangarae Farms LLP and trained by Bart Hone, Shesa Private I jumped right out to pressure pacesetter Ever So Pretty in the six-furlong sprint for fillies and mares, 3 years old and up. She dogged that rival into submission, blasted to the lead, and drew off to win by 5 1/2 lengths while under only a hand ride, and with seemingly plenty left in reserve. Goodbye Norma Jean, just behind the winner early, stayed on well to be second, and Born With Eagles was third in the field of eight.

Shesa Private I covered the distance in a sizzling 1:07.62 under Glenn Corbett and paid $5.80 as the favorite. The winner's share of $30,000 pushes her career bankroll to $250,255 from 10 wins in 26 starts.