January 5, 2018 - Santa Anita, Race 2, Msw, USD $54,000, 6F
1st Dam: Al Andaleeb
2st Dam: Ajina
2st Dam: Winglet
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Godolphin (KY)
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Godolphin homebred Emboldened (Elusive Quality) was bet heavily throughout and did not disappoint as she graduated with ease Friday at Santa Anita to become the first 'TDN Rising Star' of 2018. She had been preparing at Santa Anita since the end of November and entered Friday off consecutive bullet works, including on Jan 1. when she went five furlongs in :59 3/5 (1/34). The 1-2 favorite broke sharply and was quickly guided to the front through a swift opening quarter in :21.99. She continued under a hand ride along the rail and felt the challenge of Mojgan (Flatter) on the far turn. Emboldened kicked in another gear at the quarter pole without ever really being asked by Joe Talamo, put away that rival and stormed away for an impressive five-length score. This is the second winner out of Al Andaleeb, whose dam was 1997 Champion 3-Year-Old Filly Ajina (Strawberry Road) and winner of that year's GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. Ajina is also a half to MGSW Rob's Spirit (Theatrical {Ire}). Emboldened's third dam, GSW Winglet (Alydar), produced the mother of MGISW and top sire Quality Road, who is also by Elusive Quality.
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