Turf Paradise: Hot on Top upset in Arizona Breeders’ Futurity

Hot on Top posted a stunning upset in Saturday’s $49,508 Arizona Breeders’ Futurity (filly division) at Turf Paradise, toppling the previously unbeaten Page Springs and notching her first stakes win.

Owned by Danny Avena, Brett Heide, and Molly Pearson and trained by Pearson, Hot on Top, a 2-year-old filly by Old Topper, won her debut and then finished second in three straight races behind Page Springs. In Saturday’s six-furlong contest, however, she bided her time early under Jake Barton, steadily advanced into the lane, surged past the stopping Page Springs, and drew off to win with ease.

Hindu Kush and Lynx Lake, who were the ones chasing runaway pacesetter Page Springs early, ran on to finish second and third, respectively, in the field of 12 Arizona-bred 2-year-old fillies.

Hot on Top paid $16.60 and ran the distance in 1:11.25. The winner’s share of $24,754 gives her a career bankroll of $63,966 from 2 wins and 3 seconds in 5 starts.

Page Springs, the 1-20 favorite, not only came into the race undefeated in five starts, but had never been behind a horse at a margin call in those five races. She blasted out to a long lead (nine lengths at the first call) through a sizzling first quarter of 21.01 seconds, but unlike in her other starts, she hit the brakes in the lane, finishing fourth, beaten almost five lengths.

With Page Springs finishing out of the money, the place and show prices were skewed. Hot on Top paid $9.40 to show, Hindu Kish paid $15.40 and $41.60, and third-finisher Lynx Lake paid $26.80.

A Political Time wins male division

A Political Time confirmed he’s probably the top 2-year-old Arizona-bred male as the gelded son of Top Hit proved a prompt favorite in the $54,279 colt-and-gelding division of the Arizona Breeders’ Futurity.

Owned by J. Lloyd Yother and trained by Kevin Eikleberry, A Political Time stalked the pace, moved up to challenge into the lane, and gamely persevered to win by a length. Cleator rallied for second, a head in front of Nobyjo, in the field of 12.

A Political Time paid $5.40 and ran the six furlongs in 1:12.43. The winner’s share of $27,140 gives him earnings of $58,026 from 2 wins in 7 starts.