Swagsational prevails in Turf Paradise Derby

PHOENIX – Swagsational continued his ascent on Saturday at Turf Paradise, winning his third straight race in the $50,000 Turf Paradise Derby.

Owned by Keith Swagerty and trained by Heath Lawrence, Swagsational ($19) blasted maidens on dirt here Jan. 7, then romped in the Startac on turf a little over three weeks later. Returning to dirt for this 1 1/16-mile event, he was away slowly under Kassie Guglielmino to be last early as Arizona Jeremy, Hondo Lane, and Jammers Justice dueled up front. Swagsational steadily advanced while wide and in the clear, came with a smart wide run turning for home, and maintained that run to the line, getting up to win by three-quarters of a length. Wicked Winnings ran second while Race Home, the 8-5 favorite, rallied to the lead into the lane but couldn’t quite finish with the top two, ending up third of nine 3-year-olds.

Swagsational, a 3-year-old gelding by Gallant Son, ran the distance in 1:46.50. The winner’s share of $29,760 gives him earnings of $53,115 from three wins in 10 starts.

The Adrie Factor airs in Arizona Oaks

Despite being winless in three prior starts on dirt, The Adrie Factor ($4.20) was sent off the heavy favorite in the $30,000 Arizona Oaks Saturday and validated that backing, proving an easy winner.

Owned by Harley Kowalsky and trained by Jonathan Wong, the 3-year-old daughter of The Factor stalked early under Heribert Martinez as Our Magic Moment ran off to a big early lead in the mile event for 3-year-old fillies. The Adrie Factor crept closer to the leader to the far turn, engaged her into the lane, got the better of her, and drew off to win by 3 1/4 lengths. Our Magic Moment finished second, seven lengths clear of the others. Trafficiskillingme stalked and stayed on for third in the field of seven.

The Adrie Factor ran the distance in 1:39. The winner’s share of $18,228 gives her earnings of $91,743 from four wins in eight starts.