Turf Paradise: Horse for course Forest Mouse scores in Jack Coady

Forest Mouse reaffirmed his love of the Turf Paradise grass course as the 3-year-old captured the $37,800 Jack Coady Sr. Stakes at the Phoenix track Saturday.

Owned and trained by Mark Jensen, Forest Mouse was a perfect 3-for3 on this course before finishing fourth against older horses in the Walter R. Cluer on Oct. 29. He moved back in against 3-year-olds in this mile grass event and as the 9-5 second choice under Jake Barton got back on track. He bided his time toward the rear of the field, but steadily advanced into the lane when he was able to edge past 3-2 favorite Ribat to win by a length. Ribat finished a head in front of a rallying Wicked Landlord in the field of eight.

Forest Mouse paid $5.80 and covered the distance in 1:36.51. The winner’s share of $22,680 gives a bankroll of $134,692 from 7 wins in 18 starts.

*Hard Seven continued her strong form and confirmed a pedigree built for turf as the 3-year-old filly had little trouble prevailing in the $37,450 Chandler Stakes. Owned by John Campo III and trained by Dan McFarlane , Hard Seven, a daughter of Rock Hard Ten, chased pacesetter Mundy from the start in the mile grass event for 3-year-old fillies, went after that rival into the lane, had to work some to get past, but then drew clear once she got the lead under Glenn Corbett.

Mundy held well to be a clear second with Victory With Class third in the field of seven.

Hard Seven paid $4.80 as the 7-5 favorite and ran the distance in 1:36.28. The winner’s share of $22,470 gives her a career record of $64,845 from 3 wins in 8 starts.