Turf Paradise: Tribal Gal invades to win Princess of Palms Stakes

Tribal Gal came to Turf Paradise from California in the spring and romped in the Joanne Dye Stakes by 6 1/4 lengths. Well, the daughter of Tribal Rule showed again that she loves coming to Phoenix as she made it two wins in as many visits, easily capturing Saturday’s $35,000 Princess of Palms Stakes.

Owned by John Pendergast and trained by Kory Owens, the 3-year-old filly chased pacesetter Page Springs through a hot first quarter (21.94 seconds) in the six-furlong event for fillies and mares. Tribal Gal took over going to the far turn, setting a sizzling half-mile split (43.94), rebuffed a challenge from defending champ Jaws n’ Paws into the lane, and bounded away to win by 5 1/4 lengths under Juan Rivera.

Jaws n’ Paws stalked and challenged but proved no match for the winner, but she held well to be a clear second. E Z Kitty, the 9-10 favorite, likewise stalked but never mustered the needed rally, finishing third in the field of seven.

Tribal Gal paid $7 and ran the distance in a sharp 1:08.80. The winner’s prize of $21,266 pushed her earnings to $165,919 from 5 wins in 13 starts.