Tony's Tapit, Alberta Sun streak into divisions of Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders' Association Sales Stakes

PHOENIX – Tony’s Tapit and Alberta Sun both look to make it three straight wins as they lead their respective divisions of the Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association 3-year-old Sales Stakes on Friday at Turf Paradise. The colt-and-gelding division goes as race 6; the filly division is race 8. Both $35,000 races are at six furlongs and drew full fields of 12.

Tony’s Tapit, a 3-year-old son of Tonalist owned by Jose Luna Silva and Nuevo Farms and trained by Silva, was sharp at Mountaineer last fall, win a win and two seconds in three starts. He came here this winter, easily won an allowance race Jan. 4, and then easily captured his trial for this on Jan. 21 as the 2-5 favorite. Adrian Flores, who was up for those two wins, stays aboard.

Other contenders include Sand Walker, second to Tony’s Tapit on Jan. 4 and then a big winner of his own trial for this on Jan. 21, and Jake the Great, third to Tony’s Tapit on Jan. 4 and then second to that rival Jan. 21.

Alberta Sun, a 3-year-old daughter of Ministers Wild Cat owned by Randy Howg and trained by Robertino Diodoro, progressed nicely last summer and fall, topped by a big maiden win at Remington Park on Sept. 24. She resurfaced here Jan. 21 in a trial for this filly division, stalked the pace under Heribert Martinez, took over late, and drew off to win easily. Martinez rides again.

Others contenders include Reign of Fire, second as the 1-2 favorite to Alberta Sun in that Jan. 21 trial, and Focus First, a winner of her trial for this race here Jan. 21.