Turbulent Descent Sharp in Moccasin

A stylish debut winner Oct. 3, Turbulent Descent was even more impressive Sunday at Hollywood Park, toying with her opponents in the $100,000 Moccasin Stakes.

Never far off the pace under jockey David Flores, the 2-year-old Congrats filly out of the Forestry mare Roger’s Sue took over early in the stretch and won with plenty left in reserve. The margin of victory was a deceptive 1 ½ lengths.

Untouched by the whip – which was no different than her initial try – Turbulent Descent, the 7-10 choice in the field of six, covered the seven furlongs in 1:23.15.

Owned by a partnership that includes Blinkers On Racing Stable and Bill Strauss and trained by Mike Puype, the Florida bred increased her earnings to $82,800.

In giving Flores his second Moccasin victory – the other came with Perfect Six in 1998 – Turbulent Descent paid $3.40, $2.40 and $2.10.

Zazu, fresh off a maiden win Oct. 15 for owners Jerry and Ann Moss and trainer John Sadler, finished 3 ¼ lengths in front of pacesetter Tales in Excess. Zazu, who was ridden by Mike Smith, returned $3.60 and $2.40. The show price on Tales in Excess, who was handled by Joel Rosario, was $2.60.

Warren’s Flyer, the second longest shot in the field at 31-1, was a half-length back in fourth, then came 7-2 second choice Sugarinthemorning and Recipient.

Puype indicated Turbulent Descent will make her graded stakes debut Dec. 11 in the $250,000-guaranteed Hollywood Starlet. No Moccasin winner has ever captured the Starlet, a Grade I run at 1 1/16 miles over Cushion Track.

“If she comes back well, the Starlet has to be the plan,’’ he said. “She’s worth a fortune already and would be worth a bigger fortune after a Grade I.

“To be in the grandstand and watch this was just amazing. It’s not just the time, it was the way she did it. How many horses do you see in stakes company do stuff like this? Without a doubt she’s right up there with the best I’ve ever trained.’’