Horse Race Preview: Race 7 – Molly P Overnight Stakes at Turf Paradise

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Venue and Race Overview

Turf Paradise is located in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, a historic racetrack known for its mix of dirt and turf courses, hosting Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing since 1956. The Molly P Overnight Stakes is scheduled for Thursday, February 12, 2026, with a post time of 4:10 PM MT (Mountain Time). This stakes race is contested over about 7 1/2 furlongs on the turf course, open to fillies and mares aged 4 years and up, with a purse of $30,000.

Expected Weather Conditions

The forecast for Phoenix on February 12, 2026, indicates mild and dry weather, suitable for turf racing. Expect a high of 77°F (25°C) and a low of 59°F (15°C), with winds at 9.2 mph from the west, humidity around 22%, and no precipitation anticipated. Conditions are likely to be mostly sunny with minimal cloud cover.

Track Conditions

With the dry forecast and no expected rain, the turf course should be firm, benefiting horses with strong turf form and speed. The dirt track would be fast, but this race is on turf, which is generally well-kept for stakes at Turf Paradise.

Field Analysis

The field consists of 9 contenders, primarily experienced fillies and mares with turf experience. Morning line (ML) odds suggest a competitive race, with Pepper Mill as the favorite. Below is a table summarizing key details, followed by detailed analysis for each horse, including starting position (post position, or PP), recent finishes (last 5 where available), jockey, trainer, and assessment. Analyses factor in form on turf at similar distances, speed figures (SF, Beyer-style where noted), and connections. Weights vary from 120-124 lbs based on allowances.

PPHorse Name (Age/Sex)SireTrainerJockeyML Odds
1Marinas Tina (IRE) (6/M)Belardo (IRE)Esteban MartinezManuel Americano15/1
2Flame McGoon (7/M)StanfordRobertino DiodoroGuillermo Rodriguez6/1
3Princesa Del Tigre (6/M)Smiling TigerVann BelvoirFrank T. Alvarado15/1
4Fugitive Star (4/F)NyquistEsteban MartinezKarlo Lopez8/1
5Sayucan (4/F)Promises FulfilledKevin EikleberryGlenn W. Corbett3/1
6Stay Sassy (6/M)Stay ThirstyCharles EssexAlex M. Cruz5/1
7Zisisit (IRE) (7/M)Zoffany (IRE)Isaiah OrtizOrlando Mojica12/1
8Pepper Mill (6/M)Strong MandateEdward J. KerelukKiaman McGregor5/2
9Tiznow Mama (6/M)TiznowJustin R. EvansDaylor Berrios-Lopez6/1

PP 1: Marinas Tina (IRE) (Owner: Walter Luedke or Robert Oracheff or Robert Scott Oracheff)
This 6-year-old mare by Belardo has shown turf consistency, especially locally. Recent finishes: 1st at Turf Paradise (12/2025, 7f turf, good, SF 98); 6th at Turf Paradise (1/29/26, details not specified); 1st at Turf Paradise (earlier 2025, allowance); 3rd at Santa Anita (3/4/24, older form); 2nd at Del Mar (11/8/24, older).

Trainer Esteban Martinez has a good handle on turf runners at this level. Jockey Manuel Americano is familiar with the track. Marinas Tina’s recent Turf Paradise win and SF around 98 make her a possible pacesetter from the rail, but wide odds reflect inconsistency—value for exotics if she fires.

PP 2: Flame McGoon (Owner: Rick Wiest, Lana Wiest, Clayton Wiest and Todd Fitch)
A 7-year-old mare by Stanford with mixed but capable form on turf and dirt. Recent finishes: 1st at Del Mar (8/11/22, older but noted win); 4th at Del Mar (7/25/24, SF 80); 2nd at Remington (9/6/25, high try); 1st at Del Mar (7/5/25, allowance); 3rd at Prairie Meadows (2025, details sparse).

Trainer Robertino Diodoro excels at Turf Paradise with high win rates. Jockey Guillermo Rodriguez is aggressive. Flame McGoon’s SF in the 80s on turf suggest she can close if the pace melts—solid at 6/1.

PP 3: Princesa Del Tigre (Owner: La Penita Racing Stable, Marc Batlin, Wright Batlin, Rebecca Donsife and Kathy Parnello)
This 6-year-old mare by Smiling Tiger has California form with turf upside. Recent finishes: 3rd at Pleasanton (6/22/25, She’s a Tiger Stakes); 2nd at Santa Anita (5/4/25, optional claimer); 4th at Santa Anita (5/23/25, SF 83); 1st at Santa Rosa (7/31/24, Luther Burbank); 3rd at Santa Anita (10/25/25, allowance).

Trainer Vann Belvoir ships well. Jockey Frank T. Alvarado has strong stats. Princesa Del Tigre’s consistent SF 80-83 and stakes placings make her a board hitter—longshot appeal.

PP 4: Fugitive Star (Owner: Jonathan Kalman Racing, Inc.)
A 4-year-old filly by Nyquist showing potential but recent fades. Recent finishes: 6th at Santa Anita (1/24/26, La Canada S. G3); 4th at Santa Anita (1/24/26, allowance, SF 59); 3rd at Ooty (ARG, international?); 5th at Santa Anita (2025, details); 2nd at Del Mar (7/20/25, Osunitas S.).

Trainer Esteban Martinez pairs with stablemate. Jockey Karlo Lopez knows the course. Fugitive Star’s lower SF (59 recent) but stakes experience indicate rebound potential—fringe contender.

PP 5: Sayucan (Owner: Richard Perkins)
This 4-year-old filly by Promises Fulfilled has strong Midwest form. Recent finishes: 1st at Prairie Meadows (7/11/25, Iowa Festival); 2nd at Prairie Meadows (9/25/25, allowance); 1st at Prairie Meadows (2025, Cyclones?); 3rd at Woodbine (older); 4th at Turf Paradise (1/2026, recent).

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Trainer Kevin Eikleberry succeeds with shippers. Jockey Glenn W. Corbett is reliable on turf. Sayucan’s wins at similar distances and SF 90+ position her as a top threat—favorite material.

PP 6: Stay Sassy (Owner: David K. Olson)
A 6-year-old mare by Stay Thirsty with closing style. Recent finishes: 1st at Del Mar (9/1/25, similar to Too Sassy note); 2nd at Tampa Bay (12/6/25, allowance); 3rd at Woodbine (10/5/25); 4th at Del Mar (7/26/25); 1st at Aqueduct (6/5/25, Astoria).

Trainer Charles Essex focuses on turf. Jockey Alex M. Cruz fits. Stay Sassy’s recent wins and SF 85-90 make her versatile—strong at 5/1.

PP 7: Zisisit (IRE) (Owner: Beckham Ranch)
This 7-year-old mare by Zoffany has international flair with recent U.S. form. Recent finishes: 3rd at Fair Grounds (1/19/25, allowance); 2nd at Woodbine (10/5/25); 4th at Del Mar (8/24/25); 1st at Woodbine (7/19/24, older); 3rd at Turf Paradise (1/27/26, allowance).

Trainer Isaiah Ortiz is capable. Jockey Orlando Mojica adds experience. Zisisit’s SF 85+ on turf suggest late kick—upside from wide post.

PP 8: Pepper Mill (Owner: Roys Mansur)
A 6-year-old mare by Strong Mandate in peak form locally. Recent finishes: 1st at Turf Paradise (2025, allowance); 2nd at Zia Park (11/13/23, older ALW); 1st at Sunland (1/18/26, allowance); 3rd at Aqueduct (2026, details); 4th at Ded (1/17/26, stakes).

Trainer Edward J. Kereluk knows the meet. Jockey Kiaman McGregor rides hot. Pepper Mill’s consistent wins and high SF (90+) make her the one to beat—deserved chalk.

PP 9: Tiznow Mama (Owner: Ilium Stables, LLC)
This 6-year-old mare by Tiznow has solid California background. Recent finishes: 1st at Santa Anita (2/15/25, allowance); 2nd at Santa Anita (2/15/26?); 3rd at Del Mar (2025); 1st at Belmont (older); 4th at Gulfstream (11/29/25).

Trainer Justin R. Evans wins at high clips. Jockey Daylor Berrios-Lopez is sharp. Tiznow Mama’s gate-to-wire style and SF 85-95 suit the distance—contender despite outer draw.