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Turf Paradise presents an eight-race card on Monday, November 17, 2025, featuring a mix of quarter horse and thoroughbred action. The highlight is Race 2, the Wayne Brasher Memorial Stakes, a 300-yard quarter horse sprint with a purse of $27,800 drawing 12 entrants. The card also includes two Arizona Breeders Futurity trials for two-year-old colts and geldings in Races 3 and 6, offering opportunities for maiden sprinters to prove their worth. The action begins at 1:15 PM MT and concludes with a competitive turf mile claiming race.
Weather and Track Conditions
Current conditions show cloudy skies with temperatures around 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Winds are blowing from the east-southeast at 8 mph with humidity at 46 percent. The forecast calls for possible showers late in the day, which could impact the final races on the card. Horseplayers should monitor track conditions throughout the afternoon, as any moisture could alter racing surfaces and affect running styles. The dirt track is expected to be fast early, with the turf course rated firm for Races 5 and 8.
Track bias at Turf Paradise shows that favorites perform well, winning approximately 38 percent of races, particularly in lower-level claiming events. On the turf course, inside posts hold significant advantages, with 39 percent of winners coming from posts 1 or 2 in shorter turf races. Post 9 historically ranks as the weakest position. For dirt sprints at six furlongs, inside posts provide ground-saving advantages, while route races feature longer runs to the first turn that minimize post position bias. Quarter horse sprints at 300 yards primarily test gate speed, with post position becoming less critical than breaking alertly.
Race 1: Allowance 300 Yards
Post Time: 1:15 PM MT
This Arizona-bred allowance race for three-year-olds and upward at 300 yards features seven quarter horses that have never won three races. The short sprint format demands explosive gate speed and the ability to maintain position through a brief run.
Pace Analysis
At 300 yards, pace analysis differs dramatically from thoroughbred racing. The race essentially becomes a test of pure speed from the gate with virtually no recovery time for slow breakers. Expect all seven runners to break aggressively, with the winner likely emerging from horses that break cleanly and maintain momentum through the finish.
Key Contenders
Corazon Stoli enters as a primary contender with Manuel Americano aboard. Americano has established himself as a leading rider at Turf Paradise and brings valuable gate-breaking expertise to this short sprint. Lady Dealin Rogue represents trainer Norma Reyes and draws inside post 2, which could provide a slight ground-saving advantage if breaking alertly. Kj Flashy Girl ships in for trainer Alex J. Torres-Casas with jockey Aaron Belloc, showing recent form that suggests readiness for this level.
Secondary Choices
Tubac Royale, a ten-year-old gelding, brings experience to this field under Rodolfo Arvizu. The veteran has faced quality competition and could factor if breaking cleanly. Bestprincessreturns draws post 4 with Kevin Carbajal riding for trainer Angeladrian Dominguez, offering potential value if overlooked by bettors focusing on the favorites.
Longshots
Say Somthing and Dancin With Royalty represent longer-priced alternatives. Say Somthing, a three-year-old filly carrying 125 pounds, debuts for trainer Matthew M. Fales. Dancin With Royalty returns for Norma Reyes and could surprise at generous odds if finding his best form.
Betting Strategy
Focus on exacta and trifecta wagers given the unpredictability of quarter horse racing at 300 yards. Single Corazon Stoli or Lady Dealin Rogue on top with multiple underneath combinations. Consider wheel plays using 2-3 horses in exactas rather than win betting, as minor gate breaks can dramatically alter outcomes in these brief sprints.
Selections
Win: Corazon Stoli
Place: Lady Dealin Rogue
Show: Kj Flashy Girl
Race 2: Wayne Brasher Memorial Stakes 300 Yards
Post Time: 1:45 PM MT
The featured Wayne Brasher Memorial Stakes draws 12 quarter horses three years old and upward for a 300-yard dash worth $27,800. This competitive stakes race honors the memory of a prominent figure in Arizona quarter horse racing.
Pace Analysis
With 12 runners, gate position and break become paramount. The wide post draw creates challenges for outside runners who must break sharply to avoid being left behind in the initial strides. Horses breaking from the middle of the pack with tactical speed should position themselves favorably.
Key Contenders
Shiny Nova emerges as the fastest leader profile with impressive credentials showing 16 wins from 25 starts and career earnings exceeding $214,000. The four-year-old gelding has demonstrated consistency with a 64 percent win rate and 76 percent in-the-money percentage. Drawing post 10 presents positioning challenges, but the horse’s early speed could overcome the wide draw. Basking and Wicked Cowgirl Smart both train with David John Williams, who maintains solid statistics at Turf Paradise. This powerful barn entry gives Williams multiple winning chances. Sweet Fire Wes brings three-year-old potential under Manuel Americano, who excels at breaking quarter horses from the gate.
Secondary Choices
Rockin Jo Kool, a six-year-old mare, offers experience and consistency for trainer Luis A. Valenzuela. Jess Mr Mayito draws post 3 with adequate early speed to secure position. Tell Jones represents trainer Rigoberto Guillen with jockey Rodolfo Arvizu combining their skills in quarter horse racing.
Longshots
Kid Cocinero, a three-year-old gelding drawing post 12 on the far outside, faces significant challenges but could offer exotic value if breaking sharply. Bo Times 9 brings veteran status to the race, while Royal Post represents trainer Gilberto Canales with Jacob Enriquez riding.
Betting Strategy
Structure multi-race wagers beginning with this stakes race as the anchor. Use Shiny Nova and the Williams barn runners in exacta boxes while spreading tickets to include Sweet Fire Wes and Rockin Jo Kool. Consider trifecta wheels using the top four contenders with all underneath for third position coverage. The large field creates value opportunities in pick 3 and pick 4 wagers beginning with this race.
Selections
Win: Shiny Nova
Place: Basking
Show: Sweet Fire Wes
Race 3: Arizona Breeders Futurity Trial 6 Furlongs
Post Time: 2:15 PM MT
Seven two-year-old Arizona-bred colts and geldings compete in this six-furlong trial, with the top finishers advancing to the Arizona Breeders Futurity. Each connection paid $500 to enter these trials, indicating serious intentions.
Pace Analysis
Two-year-old maiden races typically feature unproven speed figures and uncertain pace scenarios. Expect several runners to show early speed as they attempt to secure favorable positions around the turn. The six-furlong distance allows tactical flexibility, rewarding both speed horses and those with late running ability.
Key Contenders
Rock’n Awesome finished fourth in stronger company last start and represents trainer Robertino Diodoro with leading rider Orlando Mojica aboard. The combination ranks among the most successful at Turf Paradise. Cactus League makes his debut for trainer Kevin Eikleberry with Frank T. Alvarado riding, bringing first-time starter intrigue to the race. Hey Pardner represents trainer Ryan Kenney with Karlo Lopez, offering another newcomer with potential upside.
Secondary Choices
Tempting Mischief draws post 3 for David John Williams, a trainer who excels with two-year-olds at Turf Paradise. Ez Racer brings Manuel Americano back for another mount, while T’s Heater represents trainer Bart G. Hone with experience from previous starts.
Longshots
De Novo, a gelding trained by Stacy Campo with Allyssa Morales riding, represents a longer-priced alternative. The connections show promise, and two-year-old maiden races often produce surprises as youngsters develop.
Betting Strategy
Focus on horizontal wagers connecting this race to others on the card. Key Rock’n Awesome and Cactus League in exactas while using all seven horses underneath in trifectas. The unpredictability of two-year-old racing makes trifecta boxes using five horses more attractive than straight win betting.
Selections
Win: Rock’n Awesome
Place: Cactus League
Show: Hey Pardner
Race 4: Claiming 6 Furlongs
Post Time: 2:44 PM MT
Six fillies and mares three years old and upward compete in this claiming sprint for horses that have never won three races. The claiming price of $4,500 indicates lower-level competition with potential for upsets.
Pace Analysis
The small field suggests a moderate early pace with limited pressure on the front-runners. Horses with tactical speed should secure comfortable positions, while closers may find limited passing opportunities in a short six-furlong sprint with only six runners.
Key Contenders
My Little Lady draws the rail with Orlando Mojica riding for trainer Howard F. Gibson. The inside post provides ground-saving advantages in sprint races. Minedandrefined brings Manuel Americano back for trainer Jose Silva Jr., combining a successful jockey with a five-year-old mare seeking her best form. Classic American represents trainer Justin R. Evans with Guillermo Rodriguez aboard, offering competitive credentials at this level.
Secondary Choices
Shanghai Barbie, a nine-year-old mare, brings experience but shows weight concessions that suggest recent struggles. Lotsa Steel and Ila Veiw Too round out the field with connections capable of springing mild surprises in this competitive claiming race.
Betting Strategy
The small field creates exacta betting value. Box the top three choices while considering straight trifecta wagers using all six horses. Include this race in pick 3 sequences rather than focusing on win bets given the competitive nature and claiming-level uncertainty.
Selections
Win: My Little Lady
Place: Minedandrefined
Show: Classic American
Race 5: Allowance Optional Claiming 1 Mile Turf
Post Time: 3:13 PM MT
Ten runners navigate one mile on the turf course in this allowance optional claiming event for horses that have never won a race other than maiden, claiming, starter, or state-bred allowance or have never won two races. The $12,500 claiming option adds strategic complexity.
Pace Analysis
Route races on turf typically produce honest early fractions with sustained pressure through the middle stages. The ten-horse field ensures competitive pace dynamics, favoring horses with tactical speed or strong closing ability. Inside posts hold significant advantages on Turf Paradise’s turf course.
Key Contenders
Afjan emerges as a standout with career earnings exceeding $456,000 from 38 starts. The six-year-old gelding shows a 26 percent win rate and 63 percent in-the-money percentage, demonstrating remarkable consistency. Trainer Isaiah Ortiz pairs him with Guillermo Rodriguez, creating a formidable combination. Touch of Zen offers strong turf credentials with multiple placings at the mile distance and draws Harry Hernandez, who excels in turf routes. The Black Strat brings tactical speed and previously won at this distance under Manuel Americano.
Secondary Choices
Zoffarelli ships from trainer Peter Miller with Glenn W. Corbett riding. The Irish-bred gelding brings European connections and turf breeding that could translate to success. Thirsty Vision, a three-year-old colt, offers potential improvement moving to routes. I’m Noble and Fireman Dan provide additional depth to the competitive field.
Longshots
Summer Lover draws post 1 but shows limited recent form, making him a longshot despite the inside draw. Quality Cat and Robo represent longer-priced alternatives for exotic wagers seeking value.
Betting Strategy
Key Afjan and Touch of Zen in exactas and daily doubles connecting to Race 6. The turf route rewards inside posts, so give extra consideration to horses drawn in posts 1-4. Structure trifecta wagers using the top four contenders with all underneath, recognizing that turf racing creates opportunities for closers.
Selections
Win: Afjan
Place: Touch of Zen
Show: The Black Strat
Race 6: Arizona Breeders Futurity Trial 6 Furlongs
Post Time: 3:42 PM MT
The second Arizona Breeders Futurity trial for two-year-old colts and geldings features eight runners at six furlongs. Like Race 3, the top finishers advance to the lucrative Futurity.
Pace Analysis
Expect multiple speed horses to contest the early lead as trainers attempt to showcase their youngsters’ tactical abilities. The six-furlong distance allows flexibility for various running styles, though securing good early position remains advantageous for two-year-olds still learning to rate.
Key Contenders
Secret Insanity draws post 2 with Daniel P. Vergara riding for trainer Kevin Eikleberry, who also entered Cactus League in Race 3. Go Sparky represents Ryan Kenney with Karlo Lopez aboard, creating another strong partnership. Dormello’s Legacy brings breeding credentials under Frank T. Alvarado for trainer Dan L. McFarlane.
Secondary Choices
Ez Cowboy offers experience from previous starts and could improve with the added distance. Pi Time and Three P’s provide depth to the field with connections capable of developing two-year-olds. Peace Pardner rounds out the competitive field for trainer Jorge Rosales.
Longshots
Arizona Moon Rise debuts for Stacy Campo with Allyssa Morales riding. First-time starters with strong pedigrees represent potential value plays in maiden racing.
Betting Strategy
Similar to Race 3, focus on horizontal wagers rather than straight win bets given two-year-old unpredictability. Key the top three choices in exactas while spreading trifecta tickets across multiple combinations. Include this race in pick 3 and pick 4 sequences for maximum value.
Selections
Win: Secret Insanity
Place: Go Sparky
Show: Dormello’s Legacy
Race 7: Maiden Claiming 5 Furlongs
Post Time: 4:11 PM MT
Ten maiden fillies and mares compete at five furlongs in this claiming sprint. The $4,500 claiming tag indicates lower-level competition with horses still seeking their first victory.
Pace Analysis
Maiden claiming sprints often produce honest early fractions as multiple runners vie for the lead. The five-furlong distance leaves little room for error, rewarding horses that break alertly and secure favorable positions immediately. Weather conditions become a factor if late-day showers materialize.
Key Contenders
Lani’s Sweetheart draws Manuel Americano for trainer Vann Belvoir, creating a combination that excels in sprint races. The three-year-old filly shows breeding that suggests sprint ability. Liberty Cap represents another Belvoir runner with Harry Hernandez aboard. Simplified races for trainer Dan L. McFarlane with Jose Barnes riding, offering competitive credentials.
Secondary Choices
Brascia’s Art brings Frank T. Alvarado back for Vann Belvoir, giving the trainer multiple chances in this wide-open maiden claimer. Bizzy Lizzy and Top Review provide additional options for exacta and trifecta combinations.
Longshots
Bandersnatch debuts for trainer Bruce Dillenbeck with Francisco Garcia riding. Majestic Vibes and First Lady of Fire represent longer-priced alternatives, while Itsgrandsalamitime could surprise at generous odds.
Betting Strategy
Spread tickets across multiple horses given maiden claiming unpredictability. Box four or five horses in exactas and trifectas rather than focusing on win bets. The claiming aspect creates uncertainty, as these horses show exploitable weaknesses. Include this race in late pick 3 and pick 4 wagers.
Selections
Win: Lani’s Sweetheart
Place: Liberty Cap
Show: Simplified
Race 8: Claiming 1 Mile Turf
Post Time: 4:40 PM MT
Twelve horses compete in the finale, a one-mile turf claiming race for three-year-olds and upward that have never won two races. The $8,500 claiming tag and large field create competitive wagering opportunities.
Pace Analysis
The twelve-horse field guarantees competitive pace dynamics with multiple horses showing tactical speed. Inside posts hold tremendous advantages on Turf Paradise’s turf course, particularly over shorter trips. Routes provide more time for position changes, but ground-saving trips from inside draws remain valuable.
Key Contenders
Sanderson steps down in class for trainer Robertino Diodoro with Orlando Mojica riding. The combination ranks among Turf Paradise’s most successful partnerships. The four-year-old gelding shows ability to bounce back from disappointing efforts. Pure Cane Sugar brings consistency at this level under Manuel Americano for trainer Joe Toye. Run Bryce Run offers turf form that translates well to this distance with Harry Hernandez aboard.
Secondary Choices
Delian League represents trainer Mike Chambers with Frank T. Alvarado riding, bringing competitive form to the race. Code Breaker draws Karlo Lopez for trainer Wendell L. Matt, creating another viable option. Ario ships in with Daniel P. Vergara aboard for trainer Frank Lucarelli.
Longshots
Wine Empire draws the rail with Glenn W. Corbett riding but shows inconsistent recent form. Grace’s Hank and Bourbon Dancer represent longer-priced alternatives, while Star Mission brings veteran status to the competitive field. Kitten in Charge rounds out the field with potential for exotic value.
Betting Strategy
The large field creates exceptional value in exacta, trifecta, and superfecta wagers. Key Sanderson and Pure Cane Sugar on top while spreading underneath combinations. Inside posts 1-4 deserve extra consideration given Turf Paradise’s turf course bias. Structure pick 3 wagers working backward from this race. Consider superfecta boxes using six horses to close out the card with potential for substantial payouts.
Selections
Win: Sanderson
Place: Pure Cane Sugar
Show: Run Bryce Run
Jockey Notes and Insights
Orlando Mojica enters the card as Turf Paradise’s leading rider, showing two wins from eight mounts on opening weekend. His 20.8 percent career win rate and 58 percent in-the-money percentage demonstrate consistent excellence. Mojica’s partnership with trainer Robertino Diodoro produces exceptional results, particularly evident in Races 3 and 8 with Rock’n Awesome and Sanderson.
Manuel Americano established himself as riding champion at Turf Paradise before expanding his circuit to Emerald Downs. His expertise with gate speed in quarter horse racing makes him particularly dangerous in Races 1 and 2. Americano’s ability to rate horses effectively in routes shows in his mount The Black Strat in Race 5. The veteran rider combines tactical awareness with strong finishes.
Frank T. Alvarado brings versatility across multiple races, partnering with different trainers throughout the card. His mounts in Races 3, 5, 6, and 8 demonstrate confidence from various connections. Karlo Lopez offers consistency with mounts in Races 4, 5, 6, and 7, showing particularly strong results in turf routes.
Harry Hernandez excels in route races, drawing mounts in Races 5, 6, 7, and 8. His patience in turf miles makes him particularly effective on closers. Guillermo Rodriguez brings experience to his mounts, particularly Afjan in Race 5 where the combination offers exceptional value.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Robertino Diodoro operates as one of Turf Paradise’s premier trainers, combining quality stock with tactical race placement. His entries Rock’n Awesome in Race 3 and Sanderson in Race 8 both offer strong winning chances. Diodoro’s partnership with Orlando Mojica produces consistent results.
David John Williams maintains impressive statistics at Turf Paradise with a 16.9 percent win rate and 53.8 percent in-the-money percentage from 65 starts. His dual entry in Race 2 with Basking and Wicked Cowgirl Smart creates powerful betting opportunities. Williams also enters Tempting Mischief in Race 3, demonstrating his skill with two-year-olds.
Vann Belvoir sends out multiple runners in Race 7, including Lani’s Sweetheart, Liberty Cap, and Brascia’s Art. The triple-entry strategy suggests confidence in the stable’s current form. Kevin Eikleberry enters horses in both futurity trials, showing commitment to developing Arizona-bred youngsters.
Ryan Kenney campaigns promising two-year-olds in both Races 3 and 6 with Hey Pardner and Go Sparky. Isaiah Ortiz conditions Afjan in Race 5, bringing high-earning older horses back to winning form. Jorge Rosales demonstrates versatility with entries in multiple race types.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The Wayne Brasher Memorial Stakes in Race 2 anchors multi-race wager sequences. Structure pick 3 wagers using Races 2-3-4, keying Shiny Nova and the Williams barn runners in Race 2, spreading in the futurity trial, and narrowing to three horses in the claiming sprint. This approach balances risk and reward across different race types.
Race 5 offers outstanding value with Afjan, whose $456,000 in career earnings indicates class superiority over this field. The allowance optional claiming format creates opportunities for astute handicappers to identify horses stepping down from higher levels. Pair Afjan in exactas and daily doubles with multiple combinations.
The large fields in Races 7 and 8 create lucrative trifecta and superfecta opportunities. Structure tickets using four to six horses in boxes rather than focusing on straight wagers. Maiden claiming races produce unpredictable results that reward spreading risk across multiple combinations.
Consider a late pick 4 covering Races 5-6-7-8. Single Afjan in Race 5, spread moderately in the futurity trial, use four or five horses in the maiden claimer, and key two horses with all in Race 8. This approach requires modest investment while maintaining significant upside potential.
Quarter horse races in the early card demand different wagering strategies. Focus on exacta and trifecta wagers rather than win bets, as minor gate breaks dramatically alter outcomes. The Wayne Brasher Memorial’s twelve-horse field creates exceptional trifecta value when keying the top contenders with longshots underneath.
Inside post positions on turf races deserve premium consideration. The statistics showing 39 percent of turf winners from posts 1-2 at Turf Paradise create exploitable betting angles. Give extra weight to horses drawn inside in Races 5 and 8, particularly when combined with tactical speed or closing ability.
Weather monitoring remains crucial throughout the afternoon. If showers materialize late in the card, adjust strategies to favor front-runners and speed horses in the final races. Track conditions changing from fast to good or turf from firm to yielding dramatically impact running styles and betting value.
