March 11, 2018 - Gulfstream Park, Race 8, Msw, USD $55,000, 1 1/8M
1st Dam: Unappeased (Ire)
2st Dam: Angelic Song
2st Dam: Ballade
Owner: Caroline A. Forgason
Breeder: Don Alberto Corporation (KY)
Trainer: Michael Matz
Caroline A. Forgason’s Laliabela had to manage with all sorts of trouble from the very beginning, but surged up in the final stages to earn her cap and gown as well as the ‘TDN Rising Star’ tag.
A $150,000 Keeneland September purchase, the 31-1 longshot broke last of the 12 and was quickly guided to the rail by Luis Saez into the first turn. Behind slow fractions of :24.81 and :49.98, she began to make a move up the rail midway down the backstretch, but had to tap on the brakes and maneuver five wide into the far turn. The dark bay was seven wide entering the stretch and continued her momentum down the center of the track to get up in the final strides for the half-length upset. Amazing Audrey (Bodemeister) was part of the pace duel and held for second.
Lalibela comes from a long line of international success. She hails from the same family as three-time Canadian champion, 1980 Champion Older Mare and MGISW Glorious Song (Halo), MG1SW Singspiel (In the Wings),, MGSWs Saint Ballado (Halo) and Rakeen (Northern Dancer) and GSW and top sire Rahy (Blushing Groom {Fr}). She is the first winner out of Unappeased (Ire), who is a half to GISW Sligo Bay (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells). She also is responsible for Lalibela’s yearling full-brother and visited Declaration of War last year.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.