Turf Paradise: Big fields in sales stakes

One race may provide affirmation. The other, clarification. Turf Paradise's two divisions of the $35,000 Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders Association Fall Sales Stakes over six furlongs brought out large fields of 2-year-olds who had been consigned to the breeders association's 2004 fall sales. The filly division (race 7), brings out 11, headed by Queen Razyana, smashing winner of an allowance race here Oct. 1, while the colt-and-gelding division (race 8) features a full field of 12 still sorting themselves out.

Queen Razyana, owned by Dancers Hill Racing Stable and trained by Ronald Chappell, began her career this summer at Yavapai. She did well there, finishing second to the male horse Mining Gold, first in an allowance race Aug. 21, then again in the Yavapai Downs Futurity on Sept. 5. She came back here Oct. 1, pressured the early pace, took over, and drew off to win by more than 16 lengths. Mining Gold added blinkers that day and she might now be a new horse. Steve Gomez was aboard that day and has the call again.

If someone is to challenge it may be Snowbound N Delmar. She won her debut here Oct. 1, stalking the pace then drawing off to win easily by almost seven lengths. Wilson Dieguez was aboard that day and has the call again for trainer Kevin Eikleberry.

The male side seems more confusing. Favoritism may fall to Ibetiwin, easy winner of an allowance race here on Oct. 1. Ibetiwin posted two solid second-place finishes here in May and was next seen finishing fifth in a maiden race at Del Mar Sept. 3 for trainer Dan McFarlane. He then returned here for a new trainer, Tom Bartol, and romped by over five lengths. Miguel Hernandez rides again.

Padre George won his debut here Oct. 1 under Glen Corbett, going wire to wire. A son of Bertrando trained by Tom Padilla, he showed fine speed to duel for the lead and edge away in the lane. Keagan finished strongly to miss by a neck that day. He is back for another shot here, and will be ridden by Scott Stevens for trainer Eric Kruljac.