Turf Paradise: Tequila Factor overcomes tough post in Tempe Handicap

Tequila Factor, a two-time stakes winner on grass who even got a crack at the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf last fall (ran 14th), had his class come through as the 121-pound co-highweight overcame a disadvantageous extreme outside post to capture Saturday’s $35,000 Tempe Handicap at a mile on the grass for 3-year-olds at Turf Paradise.

Owned by JT and B Racing and trained by C.L. Wilson, Tequila Factor got a good position, despite his extreme-outside post (No. 12). He stalked in fourth, made a strong run to the lead on the far turn, and opened up from there to win impressively under Glenn Corbett by 5 3/4 lengths.

Makors Finale stalked the pace and continued on well for second, while Teancum finished third in the field of 12.

Tequila Factor, the 3-2 favorite, paid $5 and ran the distance in 1:36.44. The winner’s share of $20,181 pushes his career bankroll to $122,095 from four wins in 10 starts.

Scottsdale Handicap: Lasso From El Paso takes advantage

Lasso From El Paso had no trouble in Saturday’s $35,000 Scottsdale Handicap as the prohibitive 2-5 favorite. As the 123-pound highweight, she not only had a class edge but was the only horse in the field with grass experience. So, in this mile grass race she had all the advantages. She popped out to the lead under Scott Stevens, took some pressure from Giacomo Girl, but dispatched with that rival and spurted away in the lane to win by 2 3/4 lengths. Lotto Ticket sat back and made a run at the winner into the lane, but couldn’t threaten, finishing second, while Hindu Kush ran on for third in the field of six 3-year-old fillies.

Lasso From El Paso paid $2.80 and ran the distance in 1:38.40. Owned by Eric Kruljac and Frank and Karen Lebowitz and trained by J. J. Kruljac, Lasso From El Paso earned $21,483, pushing her career earnings to $95,323 from three wins in 10 starts.