8th-GP, $48k, Alw/OC, 3yo, 1 1/16m, 4:02 p.m. EDT
Flashy 'TDN Rising Star' BATTALION RUNNER (Unbridled's Song) headlines this strong field that will likely produce some Triple Crown trail performers in the coming months. A troubled-trip second behind 'Rising Star' and subsequent GIII Sanford S. runner-up Random Walk (Super Saver) at Belmont last June, the $700,000 KEESEP yearling resurfaced going seven furlongs here Dec. 31, and romped to an 8 3/4-length victory, good for a 1 on Thoro-Graph and 96 Beyer Speed Figure. The grey, who closed at 22.8-1 in last weekend's GI Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2, was flattered on last Saturday's card when Lookin For Eight (Lookin At Lucky), runner-up to him previously, returned to graduate by three lengths with a six-point Beyer improvement.
Painter's Rags (Union Rags) uncorked a wide, sweeping move to break maiden first up going a muddy mile at Laurel Dec. 26 over a next-out winner. The $175,000 KEENOV weanling gets first-time Lasix from Graham Motion here.
Beasley (Shackleford), his sire's priciest yearling at auction in 2015 when he brought $340,000 at Fasig-Tipton Saratoga, was game when breaking his maiden by a nose at Aqueduct Dec. 1 for a generally patient conditioner. He checked in a decent second here behind a loose leader going seven panels Jan. 6 and gave the impression of one who might appreciate two turns.
Fire for Effect (Smart Strike), a grinding maiden winner over track and trip Jan. 7, has been cross-entered in Saturday's GII Holy Bull S. TJCIS PPs –@BDiDonatoTDN
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