Turf Paradise total handle rises

PHOENIX – Turf Paradise closed out its 2012-2013 meet with gains in handle and some familiar names filling the top spots on the jockey and trainer lists.

Track officials reported that the Phoenix track concluded its 57th meet with total all-sources handle of $266,206,903, up 4 percent from the 2011-2012 meet, despite losing six cards to inclement weather. The meet was originally slated for 156 days and ended up with 150. Out-of-state handle was up 8 percent, while in-state handle was up 1 percent.

Giovanni Franco won his first riding title with 110 wins. Scott Stevens, a six-time riding title winner, was next with 95 victories.

Miguel Silva successfully defended his owner and trainer titles, with 69 and 82 wins, respectively. Robertino Diodoro was second among trainers with 70 wins. Diodoro also led in stakes wins, with nine. His trainee L. A. Weekend, a multiple stakes winner during the meet including capturing the Phoenix Gold Cup, was named horse of the meet and top sprinter.

Rick Wiest owns L.A. Weekend, and his colorbearer Conclave, also trained by Diodoro, was named claimer of the meet. the Diodoro-trained Agent Scully was honored as meet’s top 3-year-old filly and his trainee Jaws n’ Paws top older female.