California Shipper Rocky Policy Wins Turf Amazon

BENSALEM, PA – Maria Hess and Barry Ostrager’s Rocky Policy benefitted from a late surge in the final 50 yards to win the $150,000 Turf Amazon Stakes Saturday at Parx Racing by 3/4 of a length.

The Maryland-bred 7-year-old Rock Slide mare rated in third after an opening 1/4-mile in :22.36 and a half in :44.83. Paco Lopez gave her a cue turning for home while running three-wide. Lopez replaced Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith on Rocky Policy as a late change announced before Saturday’s card.

The Turf Amazon was the second stakes victory for Rocky Policy since her victory in the Jameela Stakes at Laurel Park in August 2018. Trained by Bob Hess, Jr., Rocky Policy entered off of a fifth in the Safely Kept at Monmouth Park on September 1. The Turf Amazon was the second start for Hess since she was claimed for $40,000 off of a victory at Del Mar.

Rocky Policy bested 50/1 longshot pacesetter Stetson Gold, who held for second by a 1/2-length over Boos in third, with 2/1 favorite Miss Gossip fourth. Rocky Policy, who won in :56.62, went off as the 4/1 third choice in the field of nine.

Rocky Policy returned $10.40 to win, $6 to place, and $4.20 to show. Stetson Gold brought back $31.20 to place and $12 to show, while Boos paid $3.80 to show.