Turf Paradise track report

Owner Dennis Weir and trainer Dan McFarlane hope Virden can become as good as their star filly Muir Beach. The 3-year-old Virden looked strong romping by six lengths in last Saturday's $40,000 Scottsdale Handicap at Turf Paradise and now gets a shot at bigger game.

"We'll be looking at Hollywood Park stakes for Virden's next start," said McFarlane.

The Grade 3, $100,000 Senorita Stakes, at a mile on the turf for 3-year-old fillies May 8, may be what he has in mind.

Weir paid $15,000 for Virden at the 2003 Keeneland September sale. "She's further along than Muir Beach was at this point," he said, and that's saying something.

The 4-year-old Muir Beach will be looking to win a record seventh stakes win of the meet when she makes her next local start, which may come in the $40,000 Cactus Flower Handicap at six furlongs on April 16.

Virden has now won 3 of 6 starts, including the Sun Devil Stakes on the main track. She also finished second in the Arizona Oaks and Cactus Cup Handicap. She has not finished out of the money and has earned $78,700.