Two trials for the upcoming Arizona Spring Sales Stake were contested at Turf Paradise on April 19, with French General winning the first and McKenzie Honey taking the second. The final times for the two events were virtually identical, as French General, a gelded son of To Honor and Serve, won his event in 52:50 for four and a half furlongs, while McKenzie Honey, a daughter of Parading, was timed in :52.49.

French General, a Kentucky-bred campaigning for Bar Diamond Ranch and Kenneth Fishbein, and trained by Molly Pearson, was a front-running winner over Yo Y Me and was the odds-on favorite of his  field. McKenzie Honey, also bred in Kentucky, dueled eventual runner-up High Class Taste and race favorite Spotlight Gal into defeat to win for connections Barbara Eakin, Jonathan Nance and Steve Smith. Nance trains the filly.

The top six finishers from each event qualify for the Arizona Spring Sales Stake, which will be run on Sunday, May 8, closing day at this season’s Turf Paradise meet.

This is the last Spring Sales Stake for 2-year-olds under the current contract. The new contract carries for two years and extends to Sales Handicap events for 3- and 4-year-olds.