Why Two holds edge in Turf Paradise Derby

PHOENIX – Derby fever comes to Arizona on Saturday, as the best local sophomores must deal with a scary Southern California raider in the $75,000 Turf Paradise Derby. The 1 1/16-mile event drew a field of nine. Also on the Saturday program is the $35,000 Arizona Oaks, a one-mile event that pits 10 3-year-old fillies; one also-eligible is entered as well.

California raider Why Two must overcome a lot, but he looks dangerous. It’s his first route, his first time against winners, and his first race away from Santa Anita for trainer Michael Machowsky, but he showed considerable talent when beating a strong maiden field sprinting there Jan. 25, earning an 86 Beyer Speed Figure.

Ride Hard Kowboy might be the best local hope. He was only fourth in a one-mile allowance race on this main track Jan. 19 but had trouble and was beaten just 1 1/4 lengths. He came back to romp by five lengths for trainer Molly Pearson in the Chuck N Luck Stakes at about 7 1/2 furlongs on turf here Feb. 4.

Freakin Amazing is the one to beat in the Oaks. She won the Arizona Juvenile Fillies here Dec. 27 but was later disqualified from purse money. She was then fourth in the El Paso Times Handicap at Sunland Park on Jan. 25.

TURF PARADISE DERBY (RACE 6)

KEY CONTENDERS

Why Two (Beyers: 86-77)

◗ He is a son of Bob and John, the winner of the Grade 1 Wood Memorial and Grade 3 Sham, so he should handle this distance.

◗ He finds himself with the disadvantageous far-outside post, though his sprint speed can help him flee it and avoid getting hung out to dry on the first turn.

◗ He showed that he holds his edge after that fine maiden win with two strong Santa Anita works since – six furlongs in 1:12 on Feb. 11 and breezing four furlongs in 47.60 seconds Feb. 5.

Ride Hard Kowboy (Last 3 Beyers: 71-63-61)

◗ He posted both career wins on turf, and both in easy fashion. They came at a mile and at about 7 1/2 furlongs, and while his sire, Kodiak Kowboy, was a top-class sprinter, the way he’s finished says he can go at least this far and that he can excel on dirt.

◗ He sees his Beyers trending the right way.

Highway Boss (Last 3 Beyers: 65-69-63)

◗ He was not disgraced when fourth in the Grade 2 Best Pal at Del Mar last August. That was sprinting on synthetic, and he then showed class and turf quality in the Oak Tree Juvenile Turf, a route on grass, when a respectable sixth, beaten just 2 1/4 lengths.

◗ He has seemingly found a home here, as after his California work, he’s finished second, third, second, and first in his last four starts here.