Turf Paradise Picks 3/14: Derby, Phoenix Gold Cup

Turf Paradise hosts 5 stakes races on Thursday, March 14 including their Derby and the Phoenix Gold Cup. Check out our Turf Paradise picks for the loaded card.

Watch and Wager on Turf Paradise

The racing from Turf Paradise can be viewed on any betting platform as well as horse racing television channels including Fan Duel Racing and RTN. Tune in to Thursday’s broadcast for Betting News featured picks presented alongside selections from track announcer Craig Braddick.

The first post is 1:25 Pacific Time with the first thoroughbred contest scheduled to leave the gates at around 2:30 Pacific Time.

Full Card Analysis

Turf Paradise Picks- Race 1

Post: 1:25 PM PT; $19k Optional Claiming going 300 y on dirt; Entries: 6

Admittedly, quarters aren’t my strong suit. I do find myself preferring the inside tracks unless superior talent exists outside.

• #3 HIGHER HEAT (8-5) will take the top pick here. He shares the top last out speed index. This one will run for the combination of Fales and Figueroa.
• #2 BESTPRINCESSRETURNS (4-1) is the one that shows similar talent to the 3. This one would be a better value, but the connections are likely the biggest factor between 4-1 and 8-5.
• #6 KIRBY (2-1) is the other Fales entry and has a back figure that buries this field. Worth a look.
• #4 SAPPHIRE BOOTS (6-1) has run an index high enough to match these but that is back deeper in the form. The recent numbers are light.

Selections: 3 – 2 – 6 – 4

Turf Paradise Picks- Race 2

Post: 1:57 PM PT; $18k Maiden going 400 y on dirt; Entries: 12

• #10 FLAMING SEIS (5-2) has the best speed index in the last three. A lot of talent toward the outer portion of the course which could bring out his best.
• #11 KJ DADDYSGOTTHEBLUES (3-1) ran the best last out. The recent numbers make this one a major player.
• #9 XTREMLY (10-1) has a top tier trainer in his corner. Light on speed index but at 10-1 worth a flyer.
• #8 BELLA HOTTIE (5-1) debuts in this spot and could be interesting with a sharp break.

Selections: 10- 11- 9 – 8

Turf Paradise Picks- Race 3

Post: 2:32 PM PT; $30k Maiden Optional Claiming going 6 f on dirt; Entries: 7

• #5 NORTHERN LINCHPIN (9-2) projects to sit just in behind what could be an honest enough pace. This one could provide some value if she gets first run.
• #1 SHARP ATTITUDE (7-2) has good enough early foot to stay in contention even if they try to walk the dog on the front end.
• #4 SWEET AND EZ (6-1) factors on speed figures for top local connections. Should be forward early on.
• #3 MARK OF VICTORY (5-1) just has some unknowns about her and against maiden optionals could reasonably hit the board.

Selections: 5 – 1 – 4 – 3

Turf Paradise Picks- Race 4

Post: 3:05 PM PT; $30k Maiden Optional Claiming going 6 f on dirt; Entries: 8

• #8 DIVERSIFUL (5-1) is out of Tourist and should get enough of an honest pace to run at.
• #2 ROYAL JOKER (6-1) could be the speed of the speed if nothing materializes up front, but will likely need to do it easy.
• #6 WESTPORT CAPTAIN (5-2) is in solid form and boasts the best last out speed figure of any in this race.
• #3 GOALINE (5-1) makes the 2nd start after the debut. This one will need to improve but has every right to off the education from the first start.

Selections: 8 – 2 – 6 – 3

Turf Paradise Picks- Race 5

Post: 3:35 PM PT; $60k Cotton Fitzsimmons S. going 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 9

• #3 FUERTEVENTURA (3-1) sitting the garden trip. There seems to be enough that like to go forward and his tactical position should allow for a stalk and pounce trip.
• #2 WAR AT SEA (5-2) is a major player in this race for many of the same reasons as the #3. The are hard to separate so I put the better price on top.
• #7 PRINCE LANCELOT (6-1) goes out for Justin Evans who is always worth a look when he sends out runners in Phoenix.
• #8 DIAMOND RIM (5-1) has recent form to factor and back races that are tops in the field.

Selections: 3 – 2 – 7 – 8

Turf Paradise Picks- Race 6

Post: 4:05 PM PT; $60k Arizona Oaks going 1 m on dirt; Entries: 7

• #1 PINK WHITNEY (5-2) is the best bet of the card and gets Fresu shipping in from Santa Anita. He is an ultra-dependable jockey to put your money behind. The horse may not win, but it won’t be because the jock goofed the trip. Bet today’s best Best Bet at BetUS.
• #7 MADISON RAE (4-1) will be out near the lead on a course that can be kind to those that open up early. Peter Miller ships this one in from California.
• #2 SAKURA BLOSSOM (2-1) holds the top overall speed figure and figures to be involved throughout.
• #3 POP CHART (12-1) should be sitting behind the pack behind the leaders. Not convinced this one can do serious damage in the win spot, but worth a look underneath.

Selections: 1 – 7 – 2 – 3

Turf Paradise Picks- Race 7

Post: 4:35 PM PT; $60k Turf Paradise Derby going 1 1/16 m on dirt; Entries: 8

• #4 E J WON THE CUP (5-2) has speed figures that stand pretty firmly above this group. He will be tough to beat.
• #2 LAST CALL LONDON (7-2) while this one is likely to be forward, he also has one of the strongest late figures which should bode well if he has to pass horses late.
• #5 GENERAL CROOK (12-1) is a price horse that will need things to get cooking up front. If they do, this one is the most interesting to get up for a piece.
• #7 ARIZONA DAVIN (8-1) is the begrudging 4th pick in a race where I like 3. After that it’s about finding a price that can make things interesting. A true dart throw.

Selections: 4 – 2 – 5 – 7

Turf Paradise Picks- Race 8

Post: 5:05 PM PT; $60k Phoenix Gold Cup S. going 6 f on dirt; Entries: 12

• #4 TONY’S TAPIT (8-1) is the longshot of the card and should benefit from a whole lot of horses that want the front. This one has a solid late number that could make for a late running drive. Bet the longshot play of the card at BetOnline.
• #2 KINGDOM HEART (8-1) is the one I like best if the race is going to be won on the front end. The price is more than fair.
• #7 TULANE TRYST (7-2) has the best last out speed figure in the group, but I don’t love the short price on a closer with a soft late pace.
• #6 MOOSE MITCHELL (12-1) has the top overall speed figure and maybe can get the advantage of being in a spot right off those scrambling for the front end.

Selections: 4 – 2 – 7 – 6

Turf Paradise Picks- Race 9

Post: 5:35 PM PT; $60k Queen of the Green S. going 1 1/16 m on turf; Entries: 10

It took a while for Turf Paradise to get the grass course up and running, but at last the turf racing has returned. It will be fun to get out on a competitive stakes race over the firm going.

• #2 ASCENDANCY (4-1) holds the best speed figures in the last effort. This one has the early speed rating to be able to handle what looks like an otherwise pretty moderate tempo.
• #10 GRACE PERIOD (5-1) should be on or near the lead and could be dangerous from that spot at a fair price.
• #3 YANKEE DOLLAR (5-1) comes into the race in decent form and track veteran jockey Karlo Lopez will look to guide her to the victory here.
• #8 STRESSED (8-1) goes out for Justin Evans and could be one in the early mix. With a solid finish this one could be a major factor in the exotics.

Selections: 2 – 10- 3 – 8

Betting News Horse Racing Coverage

Betting News provides AI generated handicapping tools for all of the major tracks around the country each and every day.

In addition, Betting News will continue to provide in depth analysis of select racing cards throughout the week.

Thursday

• Turf Paradise picks featuring the Turf Paradise Derby, Phoenix Gold Cup, and Cotton Fitzsimmons.

Saturday

• Aqueduct picks featuring the Cicada Stakes
• Santa Anita picks featuring the Grade 3 San Carlos
• Oaklawn Park picks featuring featuring the Grade 3 Whitmore

*Denotes Kentucky Derby/Oaks Prep

Kentucky Derby Future Prop

Bet on your favorite horse to win the 2024 Kentucky Derby today. Also, check out our analysis of the top of the market in the Derby futures wagers. Bet the Kentucky Derby future pool on Bovada.

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