Turf Paradise: Tribal Gal clearly best in City of Phoenix

Tribal Gal had some better racing luck and bounced back to form as the 3-year-old daughter of Tribal Rule captured the $35,000 City of Phoenix Stakes at Turf Paradise on Saturday.

Owned by John Pendergast and trained by Joe Johnson, Tribal Gal chased early pacesetter Page Springs in the six-furlong main track event for fillies and mares, took over on the far turn, opened up a clear lead into the lane, and had no trouble holding that clear lead, winning by three lengths under Juan Rivera as the 9-5 favorite. Love Makor was just behind the winner much of the way, chased gamely but was no match for that foe while finishing second. Kind of Naughty stumbled at the start but finished willingly for third in the field of 10. Jaws n’ Paws, a multiple stakes winner here and the 5-2 second choice, broke a bit slow, was midpack to midstretch, but gave way badly to finish last.

Tribal Gal ran the distance in 1:08.85 and paid $5.80. The winner’s share of $20,615 gives her earnings of $187,845 from 6 wins in 15 starts. She’s now 3 for 4 over this track.