February 17, 2018 - Santa Anita, Race 3, Msw, USD $54,000, 6F
1st Dam: Laila's Punch
2st Dam: Morning Tease
2st Dam: Bad Pussycat
Owner: Ciaglia Racing LLC, Exline-Border Racing LLC, Dorfman, Greco, Johnson
Breeder: Stonehaven Steadings (KY)
Trainer: Peter Eurton
Uppercut (Discreet Cat) ran them off their feet to earn ‘TDN Rising Star’ honors in her unveiling at Santa Anita Saturday.
The full-sister to 2016 GI Frizette S. third-place finisher Colorful Charades brought $260,000 as an OBS April juvenile last year after breezing an eighth in :10 flat. She tuned up for this with a five-furlong move in 1:01 2/5 (19/55) at trainer Peter Eurton’s Santa Anita base Feb. 10.
Off at odds of 6-1, the chestnut broke like a shot and quickly established the lead through a sharp opening quarter in :22.16. They stacked up four across the track on the far turn, but Uppercut had plenty left in the tank, re-breaking powerfully in the stretch to win by 5 3/4 lengths. Two Steps Faster (Two Step Salsa) stayed on for second. Heavy favorite Hottalabamba (Into Mischief), a rallying second on debut at Los Al Dec. 1, was third after a wide trip.
Laila’s Punch, a two-time stakes winner at Laurel Park, brought $110,000 from Stonehaven Steadings at the 2008 KEENOV Sale. Uppercut is her most recent produce.
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