TDN RISING STARS

July 6, 2013 - Belmont Park, Race 2, Msw, USD $75,000, 1M

Touchofstarquality, G, 3, 2010 by Mineshaft

1st Dam: Random Chance, by Red Ransom
2nd Dam: Happenchance, by Alydar
3rd Dam: Fate's Reward, by Key to the Mint

Owner: Jay Em Ess Stable
Breeder: Kim & Rodney Nardelli & WS Farish (KY)
Trainer: Michelle Nevin

Touchofstarquality lived up to his name by posting a visually impressive effort in this stacked affair. The dark bay was working smartly at Belmont Park--breezed five furlongs in 1:01 4/5 June 21 and also fired a five-furlong bullet in :59 3/5 June 27--and was somewhat cold on the board at 6-1 considering his 5-2 morning-line quote. Debuting with Lasix, he completely blew the break and was turned sideways after hitting the left side of the gate. Jockey Javier Castellano remained cool, however, and was content to sit next-to-last in seventh through easy fractions of :23.42 and :46.99. Touchofstarquality still had plenty to do as he began to roll on the far turn, and came charging down the lane on the outside without being asked to impressively run by 6-5 favorite Silver and Onions (Tiz Wonderful) for an eye-catching 1 1/4-length decision. Sales history: $70,000 wlng '10 KEENOV; $350,000 yrl '11 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $45,000.