PHOENIX, AZ—DECEMBER 1, 2021—Winless in three starts at Ruidoso Downs, Iron Budderfly closes out the year with two straight victories at Turf Paradise after winning today's $34,500 Turf Paradise Maiden Stakes (not black type).

Entering the final as the second fastest qualifier, from two trials contested November 9th, Iron Budderfly bumped early but edged away for a half-length win under jockey Luis Valenzuela. The son of all-time leading sire First Down Dash completed the 350 yards in :17.848 seconds, a 94 speed index.

Trainer Eloy Navarro conditions the 3-year-old gelding for owner Jose Aguilar Mendoza. Bred in California by Double Bar S Ranch LLC, Iron Budderfly is out the Strawflyin Buds mare Budderfly Effect. The $20,291 winner's purse today moved his bankroll to $26,584 after five starts.

Runner-up in the trials to fastest qualifier Lethal Storm, Rwd Penelopes Cartel pressed throughout to pick up $6,545 for second. Trainer Alvaro Monteverde named jockey Jesus Osuna to ride the daughter of multiple stakes sire Five Bar Cartel for owner Francisco Monteverde. Bred in Louisiana by Evelyn David Horse Farms Inc, from the Toast To Dash mare Miss Creek Dasher, Rwd Penelopes Cartel has banked $10,660 while placing in five of eight career starts.

Chocolate Wagon, a 4-year-old son of Wagon Runnin Loose, finished a half-length back to earn $3,272. Trainer Alvaro Monteverde saddled the black gelding for owner Adalberto Hernandez. Jockey Mark Jasso was aboard the Arizona bred out of Dashing Righter by Righter. Also still a maiden, Chocolate Wagon has earned $7,408 in five starts.

Ms Cache Queen, Fabulous N Race, Arizona Chrome, Paint Your Tequila, Lethal Storm, Hez A Little Secret and Streakin Last Call completed the field.

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With more than 50 off-track-bettting locations across Arizona and Turf Paradise able to be wagered on many platforms across the country, Turf Paradise will be increasing its social media presence and interaction with fans on their Facebook page and Twitter account. (@turf_paradise). The track's Grand Canyon Pick-6 jackpot wager will begin with a pool of $28,009.06, which will be carried over from the end of the 2019-20 season.