Turf Paradise track report

Newark punched his ticket for next month's Phoenix Gold Cup, the marquee event of the Turf Paradise meet, with a smart win in last Saturday's $40,000 Swift Stakes.

"He did it all on his own," said rider Wilson Dieguez. "Generally he makes one run from behind. But today he wanted to be closer to the lead. Perhaps he didn't want mud kicked in his face."

Trained by Keith Bennett, Newark had to overcome a slow start, wide trip, and muddy track, but showed a bit more tactical speed on this occasion and powered home to win his fourth consecutive local stakes. The other stakes were the Zip Pocket, Caballos del Sol, and Grand Canyon.

An Arizona-bred, Newark paid $4.60 and covered the 5 1/2 furlongs in 1:03.41. The win makes him 8 for 25 with $194,646 in earnings. He has been in the money in 21 times.

Newark should enter the $100,000 Phoenix Gold Cup on March 19 as one of the favorites. Palmerton, recent winner of the Answer Do, and Ransome Road, an upstart recent claim, finished second and third in the Swift. Both figure to take a swing at the six-furlong Gold Cup.

* Monday was a memorable day for owner Bill Bainum (Buddy Lee Stables); his son, trainer Troy Bainum; and jockey Kyle Kaenel, as the three teamed to win three of the 10 races.

The trio first won with Golden Turquoise ($4.60) in the sixth race, then came back to win with Vigilant Site ($12) in the seventh. They capped their big day in the ninth race, where Royal B ($7.20) was victorious.

* There will be no live racing on Super Bowl Sunday, but the track will be open for full-card simulcasting.