Tactical Attack, Smooth Papa step up in Arizona Breeders' Stakes

PHOENIX – Sharp recent maiden winners Tactical Attack and Smooth Papa take their game into deeper waters as they lead Thursday’s $35,000 Arizona Breeders’ Stakes (male division), while Alberta Sun looks to bounce back in the $35,000 filly division. The two races, both for Arizona-bred 3-year-olds, are at six furlongs. The male division goes as race 9 with a field of nine; the filly division is race 6 with a field of seven.

Tactical Attack, owned by Edward Sepich Jr. and John Kozelski and trained by Molly Pearson, dueled early against maidens here Feb. 19 before drawing off to win easily. The son of Ez Dreamer has worked well since.

Smooth Papa, owned by Reunion Racing Stables LLC and Kevin Eikleberry and trained by Eikleberry, dueled early against maidens on Feb. 2 before pulling away to win. The son of Papa Clem was the 1-9 favorite.

Jake the Great was fourth in the ATBA 3-year-old Sales Stakes here Feb. 5 after a very wide trip. He’s worked smartly since then for Alvarez Racing Stables LLC and trainer Bill Brashears.

Alberta Sun seeks rebound

Alberta Sun, owned by Randy Howg and trained by Robertino Diodoro, easily beat maidens on Sept. 24 at Remington Park and then came here to easily win an allowance race Jan. 21. That sent her into the ATBA 3-year-old Sales Stakes as the even-money favorite, but the daughter of Ministers Wild Cat lagged back and made only modest headway to finish fourth, beaten almost three lengths by 30-1 longshot Who B Dat.

Who B Dat, owned by Chris Fullmer and trained by Tim Gleason, is out to prove that win was no fluke. The daughter of El Mirage went into that race as a maiden but rallied smartly from well back for the win.

Reign of Fire, second to Alberta Sun on Jan. 21 and third to Who B Dat on Feb. 5, could prove a danger.