Making her first start of 2012, Turbulent Descent remained undefeated at Betfair Hollywood Park with a victory in the $72,570 Desert Stormer Handicap June 17 (VIDEO).
Idle since a sixth-place finish in the La Brea Stakes (gr. I) last New Year’s Eve at Santa Anita Park, the 4-year-old daughter of Congrats took charge late for her fourth win over Cushion Track as the 3-2 favorite in a field of six fillies and mares.
Several lengths off the quick pace set by Izzy Rules, Turbulent Descent cruised up under jockey David Flores to get within range of the leader at the quarter pole. She received a bit of left handed encouragement while overtaking Izzy Rules with about a sixteenth of a mile to run. The three-time grade I winner prevailed by 1 1/4 lengths.
Turbulent Descent, who earned the first grade I of her career in the 2010 Hollywood Starlet, won for the seventh time in 11 starts. Completing the six furlongs in 1:09.25, bay filly paid $5, $3.40 and $2.60.
Owned by a partnership that includes Blinkers On Racing Stable, Robert Butler and William Strauss, and trained by Mike Puype, Turbulent Descent is out of the Forestry mare Roger’s Sue. Bred in Florida by Ocala Stud, she has earned $901,640.
“You want to see her come back to form because she’s a brilliant filly,’’ said Puype. “Her campaign (in 2011) took its toll with four travel trips. She’s very partial to synthetic tracks and I’m just happy to have her back in form.’’
Izzy Rules, ridden by Edwin Maldonado, finished 4 1/2 lengths clear of Mildly Offensive, who nosed out grade I winner Switch for third. Another grade I winner, Teddy's Promise, finished fifth.
Turbulent Descent wins the Desert Stormer Handicap.
Benoit Photography