Turf Paradise track report

Raul Hernandez is making quite a name for himself in some of the Quarter Horse stakes at the meet.

Hernandez sent out heavily favored No Scrubs to win the Grade 3, $26,200 AQRA Open Quarter Horse Derby here a couple weeks ago. The 3-year-old No Scrubs, ridden by Dennis Means, won by a half-length in a brisk 20.16 seconds for the 400 yards. That was part of a four-win day for Hernandez, who also saddled the two fastest qualifiers for the upcoming Grade 3, $17,500 AQRA Turf Paradise Open Quarter Horse Futurity.

Quick Dokie (20.203) and Macs Gonzo (20.251) lead the qualifiers for the 400-yard event, slated for Nov. 28. Hernandez also has BR Quick Fantasy (20.464), who qualified with the eighth fastest time.

* Owner Bill Bainum doesn't lack for confidence, particularly in regard to how Pure will do in Saturday's $40,000 Paradise Valley Handicap at 7 1/2 furlongs on the turf.

"It isn't a question of whether or how he'll win, but by how much," Bainum said. "He's taking the worst of it, breaking from the 10-hole, but he'll still win."

Last year's leading rider, Mick Ruis, has similar feelings - except his confidence is placed on his mount, Point Dume.

"As good as my horse ran last time here, I see him winning," Ruis said.

* The $40,000 Chandler Handicap, a 7 1/2-furlong turf race for 3-year-old fillies, was to have been run last Saturday but was scrapped when the race drew only four entries. There are no plans to reschedule the event.