Turf Paradise: Why Not Be Perfect game in Wildcat Handicap victory

PHOENIX - Why Not Be Perfect was hammered down to 2-5 in Saturday’s $35,000 Wildcat Handicap at Turf Paradise, and while the 6-year-old validated that confidence, it wasn’t easy.

Owned by JC Racing Stable and trained by Jeff Metz, Why Not Be Perfect stalked the pace in the 1 3/8-mile turf event under Anne Sanguinetti, was asked to go challenge for the lead turning for home and had to fight hard to get up for the neck win.

Flexiplus rallied strongly from well back to be second while Bullittone finished third in the field of nine.

Why Not Be Perfect paid $2.80 and ran the distance in 2:18.61. The winner’s share of $20,832 gives him earnings of $252,305 from eight wins in 43 starts.

** Another heavy favorite had no trouble as Red Zeus dominated the $36,279 Arizona Stallion Stakes at 7 1/2 furlongs on the turf. A 3-year-old son of Red Sky’s, and the only horse in the field with proven turf form, Red Zeus went right out to the lead under Kelly Bridges and blew the race wide open turning for home, opening up an eight-length lead and eventually reporting home 16 lengths clear of his rivals. Hana, a maiden 3-year-old filly facing boys, ran second while Listen You Fool ran third in the field of six 3-year-olds sired by an Arizona stallion.

Owned by Dick and Peggy Hopwood and trained by Dan McFarlane Red Zeus paid $2.10 as the 1-20 favorite. He ran the distance in 1:31.07 and the winner’s share of $20,155 gives him earnings of $65,972 from two wins in 12 starts.