Race Overview
The Luke Kruytbosch Overnight Stakes is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Turf Paradise Racetrack in Phoenix, Arizona. This scenic venue, located in the Sonoran Desert just north of downtown Phoenix, features a one-mile turf course (with a 7/8-mile inner turf) known for its firm, fair surface that often favors tactical speed and inside posts in routes.
The race is the seventh on a nine-race midweek card, with a scheduled post time of 4:05 PM MT (6:05 PM ET). It’s an overnight stakes for 3-year-olds, contested over one mile on the turf, with a purse of $30,000. All horses carry 119-121 lbs (non-winners of $15,000 get 2 lbs off), and it’s a key spot for sophomores transitioning to grass routes in the Arizona winter circuit.
Expected weather conditions in Phoenix on February 18: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 68°F and lows near 48°F. Winds from the southwest at 5-10 mph, humidity around 35%, and a 20% chance of isolated showers. The turf is currently firm and should stay that way—perfect for clean, fast times on the grass.
The compact field of nine 3-year-olds features a strong hand from trainer Robertino Diodoro (three runners), with Independence Rise the 5/2 morning line favorite off his recent turf success. Pace should be moderate, suiting stalkers and closers on the firm going.
Field Analysis (By Post Position)
1. Little to No Money (WA)
- Morning Line Odds: 10/1
- Jockey: Jose Mariano Asencio (local with 14% wins; patient from inside)
- Trainer: Howard F. Gibson (solid 11% wins; good with Washington-breds)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 3rd in allowance (1m turf, firm) at Turf Paradise on Feb. 1, 2026. Before: 2nd in maiden special weight (1m turf, firm) at Golden Gate on Jan. 10. Track conditions: Firm turf.
- Analysis: The rail suits this improving gelding’s stalking style. Gibson has him peaking, and Asencio can save ground. Pedigree (Stanford) for grass; if the pace is honest, he’s a live exotics play at 10/1.
2. Hacksaw Mountain (CA)
- Morning Line Odds: 15/1
- Jockey: Manuel Americano (versatile 13% wins)
- Trainer: Robert Baze (consistent ~12% wins; family legacy)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 4th in optional claiming (1m turf, firm) at Santa Anita on Jan. 25. Before: Maiden win at Golden Gate (1m turf, firm) on Dec. 20, 2025. Track: Firm.
- Analysis: California shipper with tactical speed. Baze preps well for these spots; post 2 allows options. Value longshot if he adapts quickly to the desert turf.
3. Golden Agenda (KY)
- Morning Line Odds: 6/1
- Jockey: Daylor Berrios-Lopez (up-and-coming 15% wins)
- Trainer: Robertino Diodoro (meet leader, 24% wins; turf master)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 2nd in allowance (1m turf, firm) at Turf Paradise on Feb. 8. Before: 1st in maiden (1m turf, firm) at Fair Grounds on Jan. 18. Track: Firm.
- Analysis: Diodoro’s first string is a consistent placer. Berrios-Lopez fits his mid-pack style; post 3 is ideal. Pedigree (Known Agenda) for routes; strong for the board on firm going.
4. Need the Purse (KY)
- Morning Line Odds: 7/2
- Jockey: Orlando Mojica (local specialist, 17% wins)
- Trainer: Robertino Diodoro (see above; triple threat)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 1st in allowance (1m turf, firm) at Turf Paradise on Jan. 25 (by 2 lengths). Before: 3rd at Santa Anita (1m turf, firm) on Dec. 28. Track: Firm.
- Analysis: Diodoro’s second runner loves the local turf. Mojica’s aggression from post 4 could see him press early. Recent figures top the field; a major contender at square odds.
5. Tapbyangels (CA)
- Morning Line Odds: 12/1
- Jockey: Alex M. Cruz (aggressive 12% wins)
- Trainer: Scott Tubbs (steady 10% wins; California shippers)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 5th in optional claiming (1m turf, firm) at Golden Gate on Feb. 1. Before: 2nd in maiden at Turf Paradise (1m turf, firm) on Jan. 11. Track: Firm.
- Analysis: Ship-in with closing kick. Tubbs can surprise; post 5 suits a rally. Longshot but live for supers if pace collapses.
6. Independence Rise (KY)
- Morning Line Odds: 5/2
- Jockey: Guillermo Rodriguez (hot rider, 19% wins)
- Trainer: Robertino Diodoro (see above; his anchor)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 1st in allowance (1m turf, firm) at Turf Paradise on Feb. 8 (by 1 1/2 lengths). Before: 2nd in stakes at Santa Anita (1m turf, firm) on Jan. 18. Track: Firm.
- Analysis: The clear favorite with Diodoro’s best and Rodriguez aboard. Post 6 allows a perfect stalking trip. High-class pedigree (Independence Hall) and sharp works; the one to beat on firm turf.
7. Senor Tequilas (CA)
- Morning Line Odds: 8/1
- Jockey: Cerapio Figueroa (reliable 11% wins)
- Trainer: Jesse Saldivar (value specialist, 9% wins)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 3rd in claiming (1m turf, firm) at Turf Paradise on Feb. 1. Before: 1st in maiden at Los Alamitos (1m turf, firm) on Jan. 4. Track: Firm.
- Analysis: Local angle with upside. Saldivar has him improving; post 7 for a ground-saving rail trip. Pedigree for grass; exotic filler at a price.
8. Pi Time (AZ)
- Morning Line Odds: 10/1
- Jockey: Blake Nunnally (local with 13% wins)
- Trainer: Rafael S. Barraza (Arizona-based, 10% wins)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 4th in allowance (1m turf, firm) at Turf Paradise on Jan. 25. Before: 2nd at Rillito (1m turf, firm) on Dec. 15. Track: Firm.
- Analysis: Homebred with course affinity. Barraza knows the oval; wide post requires a clean break. Live longshot if he gets a soft trip.
9. Secret Insanity (AZ)
- Morning Line Odds: 9/2
- Jockey: Carlos Montalvo (talented 16% wins)
- Trainer: Kevin Eikleberry (consistent 14% wins)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 1st in maiden special weight (1m turf, firm) at Turf Paradise on Feb. 1. Before: 3rd at Rillito (1m turf, firm) on Jan. 11. Track: Firm.
- Analysis: Fresh off a maiden score with Eikleberry’s touch. Montalvo can rally from the outside; pedigree (The Factor) suits. Strong second choice if he repeats.
