Making only this third career start in as many seasons to race, the impeccably-bred Rothko (Tapit–Covfefe, by Into Mischief) proved best as the heavy favorite to graduate in a one-mile maiden test at Fair Grounds on Sunday.
The LNJ Foxwoods homebred was fourth in his career debut at Ellis Park in the summer of 2024 but wouldn't be seen again until the fall of his sophomore year, when he finished a solid second going 6 1/2 panels at Churchill Downs this past November.
Sent off the hot 1-5 choice while trying a mile for the first time here, the 4-year-old settled just behind pacesetter Crazy Diamond (Omaha Beach), who carved out an opening quarter in :23.38. Overtaking the early leader heading into the far turn, Rothko shot clear turning for home and was not for catching as he crossed the wire 1 3/4 lengths ahead of Mingo (Candy Ride {Arg}) at the wire.
The colt is out of dual champion Covfefe, who is also responsible for SW and GSP Ellen Jay (Constitution), $271,808. The dual Grade I winner and track record holder produced a filly by Gun Runner in 2024 followed by an Olympiad filly last season. Hailing from the family of GISWs Acoma and Arch, the 10-year-old mare was bred back to Not This Time.
6th-Fair Grounds, $54,000, Msw, 1-11, 4yo/up, 1m, 1:37.46, ft, 1 3/4 lengths.
ROTHKO (c, 4, Tapit–Covfefe {Ch. Female Sprinter, Ch. 3-year-old Filly, MGISW, $1,110,025}, by Into Mischief) Lifetime Record: 3-1-1-0, $59,852. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O/B-LNJ Foxwoods (KY); T-Brad H. Cox.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
