General John B in Command at Turf Paradise

A muddy track was just what General John B ordered as he ground to a front-running six-length victory in the $100,000 Turf Paradise Derby for 3-year-olds Saturday in Phoenix.

Ridden by Jon Court, the gelded son of Sweetsouthernsaint went quickly to the lead, dueling briefly with Railroad before assuming command after a half-mile. He led by four lengths at the top of the stretch and cruised home in the 1 1/16-mile event in a time of 1:45 2/5 on a muddy surface.

Quiet Money was second, 2 1/4 lengths clear of Lead for Speed.

Trained by Roger Stein for owner Ross McLeod, General John B won for the first time in 2005, and has now recorded three victories in five starts with earnings of $108,228. He ran third in the six-furlong San Miguel Stakes at Santa Anita in his previous race Jan. 17.

The General Assembly mare Genutech produced General John B.

He paid $7, $3.40 and $2.80 as the second choice in the field of six that was reduced by two scratches. Quiet Money returned $4.80 and $3.60. Lead for Speed was $3.40 to show.

(Chart, Equibase)