Return to Paradise Wins Hatoof Stakes

August 09, 2008

El Prado’s daughter Return to Paradise stalked the leaders three wide, rallied on the turn and drew off in the stretch for a 2 1/4 length victory on Arlington Million Day in the mile and sixteenth Hatoof Stakes (first division). Ridden by John Velasquez for trainer Todd Pletcher, the filly is out of Winner’s Edge (by Seeking the Gold), and was bred by Highfield Farm. The win on fast turf was the third for the dark bay three year old, who was stakes placed last year at two in the Swinging Mood S. (L) and Holly S. Congratulations to owner Sam Pollock, who purchased Return to Paradise from our 2006 September Yearling consignment. Return to Paradise is the first stakes winner for Winner’s Edge, who produced stakes placed Capac ($192,256) and has a two year old in training for Highfield Farm named Perfect Edge, by Pleasantly Perfect.

Photo credit: Joy Gilbert