Turf Paradise boosts six stakes

Turf Paradise increased purses for six of the 46 stakes for the 2006-2007 season, bringing total stakes purses to more than $2.1. The 156-day meet begins Oct. 6 and runs through May 6, 2007. Live racing will be conducted five days a week, generally Friday through Tuesday, with the track open seven days a week for simulcast wagering.

The Cotton Fitzsimmons Mile, named after the late coach and executive of the Phoenix Suns, had its purse raised from $40,000 to $75,000, and serves as the traditional prep for the $75,000 Turf Paradise Handicap. The Cotton Fitzsimmons will be run Saturday, Jan. 6. The Turf Paradise Handicap will be run Saturday, Feb. 24, as part of a meet's marquee day, which includes the $100,000 Phoenix Gold Cup.

Both the Turf Paradise Derby and Phoenix Gold Cup were raised from $75,000 to $100,000. The derby is slated for Feb. 17. The Arizona Juvenile Stakes and the Glendale and Sun City handicaps have been each been raised from $40,000 to $50,000.

An addition to the stakes roster is the $40,000 G Malleah. Named after the local sprint specialist who holds the world record for six furlongs of 1:06.60, the G Malleah will be run Feb. 3.