After running headlong into 'TDN Rising Star' Brant (Gun Runner) in their mutual unveiling July 26, Balboa (Not This Time-Tap of War, by War Front) had his time in the California sun in Sunday's opener at Del Mar and earned his own 'Rising Star' honors while he was at it.
A distant third in the aforementioned debut as the $3-million OBSMAR grad rolled away from that field, his stablemate earned a gaudy 101 Beyer for that victory while Balboa was still given an 80 despite being almost 10 lengths behind. The betting public liked what they saw in the running line, and he was bet to 1-2 favoritism for this second jump and did not disappoint.
Riding the rail as he dominated the tempo through :22.03 and a half in :45.29, the race was over at the top of the lane when Juan Hernandez cut his mount loose and the question became how much he fancied winning by as the margin grew. His stablemate Huber (Omaha Beach) was a well-beaten second.
The victor is out of a full-sister to GI Fourstardave hero Halladay (War Front) with Tap of War herself being a daughter of multiple graded winner Hightap (Tapit). In addition to the 'Rising Star', the mare has two elder full-brothers to Balboa to her credit, but neither ever made it to the races. His younger siblings include a yearling half-sister by Liam's Map and a 2025 half-sister by Up to the Mark. Tap of War went to Medaglia d'Oro for 2026.
1st-Del Mar, $80,000, Msw, 8-10, 2yo, 6 1/2f, 1:17.48, ft, 7 3/4 lengths.
BALBOA, c, 2, by Not This Time
1st Dam: Tap of War, by War Front
2nd Dam: Hightap, by Tapit
3rd Dam: Don'tellmichelle, by Regal Classic
Sales history: $875,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-1, $57,600. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.
O-SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Bashor, Dianne, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Donovan, Catherine; B-Albaugh Family Stables LLC (KY); T-Bob Baffert.
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