Twenty three maiden hopefuls will run on January 5th looking to earn their first victory in the $22,500 added Mark Villa Maiden Stakes trials at Turf Paradise.

© Coady Media

By Stallionesearch / Louanne Wainscott

PHOENIX, AZ–DECEMBER 31, 2025—The January 5th card at Turf Paradise will feature an eight-race program highlighted by two trial heats for the $22,500 added Mark Villa Maiden Stakes, drawing a competitive group of twenty-three-year-old maidens. The juveniles will sprint 300 yards in the trials, with the fastest qualifiers earning a return trip for the January 26 final.

Rm Dulce Valiente headlines the first trial heat as the 5-2 morning-line favorite. The consistent gelding has knocked on the door in recent starts, finishing third in each of his last three outings, and will be looking to break through with his first career victory.

By Valiant Hero and out of Teller Shes Sweet by Teller Cartel, Rm Dulce Valiente was bred in Oklahoma by Kiowa Creek Perf Horses. He is owned and trained by Heber Deyta-Melendez and will break from post two with Brian C. Barraza set to guide him.

The second trial heat, race two on the card, features Bobs Speedysaintjess as the 3-1 morning-line favorite. The gelding has shown admirable consistency in his six career starts, finishing on the board each time with three second-place efforts and three thirds, making him a logical contender to advance.

Bobs Speedysaintjess is by Jess Got Easier out of Sp Saint Patty by Saint Shackleton and was bred in Idaho by R. L. Harrison. He races for owner Michael K. McKell and is conditioned by Sergio Canales. Jesus J. Canales will have the call from post six.

A field of twenty-three-year-olds will look to make a statement and graduate from the maiden ranks as they launch their derby campaigns, all aiming to secure a coveted spot in the $22,500 added Mark Villa Maiden Stakes final later this month.

The Turf Paradise races can be watched on Q-Racing Video.

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