5th-BEL, $75K, Msw, 2yo, 1 1/16m, 3:41 p.m. ET
Regally bred TACITUS (Tapit&log=">Tapit) takes on a strong-looking field of runners with experience in this stamina-testing debut Thursday. The Juddmonte homebred is the first foal out of 2014's champion older mare, 'TDN Rising Star' and MIGSW Close Hatches (First Defence). While Hall of Fame conditioner Bill Mott is well known for his patience with young horses, it's worth noting that Close Hatches herself was a seven-length debut winner early in her sophomore season. Her SW/MGISP full-sister Lockdown was second for these connections routing first out at Aqueduct in November of her 2-year-old year. Close Hatches has a yearling filly by Malibu Moon and a weanling colt by Tapit. She was bred back to Curlin. Mott will also saddle the only other firster in the field in Defender (Ghostzapper), son of SW/MGSP Twice the Lady (Quiet American). TJCIS PPs
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