La Rascasse

Since Bob Baffert made the shift from Quarter Horse racing to Thoroughbred racing in the early eighties, no one has been more loyal to Southern California racing. Especially when it came to stakes races, he filled the entry box like no other trainer. Consistency and quality were his trademarks. He has his critics and some have bristled at his dominance, but California racing has been lucky to have him. But with things being what they are in California, even Baffert had to make what must have been a tough decision...

La Rascasse (f, 3, Authentic--Hallawallah, by Candy Ride {Arg}), a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' debut winner by a head going seven furlongs at Keeneland Apr. 11, backed up that performance with a smart victory in Saturday's $175,000 Monomoy Girl S. at Churchill Downs. The 9-5 second-choice was always traveling like the winner beneath Axel Concepcion in second in this two-turn debut, took over while in hand on the far turn and had 2 1/4 lengths over Point of Reference (Upstart) at the wire. "Axel (Concepcion) gave her a...

4th-CD, 125K, O/c, 3yo, f, 1m, 2:15 p.m. 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' MASHALLAH (Maxfield) earned an eye-popping 106 Beyer Speed Figure in her Keeneland debut going six furlongs for Brendan Walsh Apr. 23. That form was flattered when the third-place runner from that field, In Scope (Gun Runner), went on to earn the 'Rising Star' moniker herself in her next start May 22. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione takes over the ride from Joel Rosario Saturday from the far outside gate as the $1.25-million OBS March grad stretches out against...

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar. The team behind Moira (Ghostzapper) is back with another very promising filly. Belle (f, 3, Uncle Mo--Lunar Evening, by Malibu Moon) was a too-good-to-lose second--beaten just a head by 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' La Rascasse (Authentic)--first time out for trainer Kevin Attard in a live maiden special weight going seven furlongs at Keeneland Apr. 11. Overlooked at 12-1 in a deep field of 12, Belle...

A pair of 'TDN Rising Stars, presented by Hagyard', are part of this week's fastest maidens hit parade. 5) LA RASCASSE, KEE, 4/11-8th, 7f VIDEO Beyer Speed Figure- 84 (f, 3, by Authentic-Hallawallah, by Candy Ride (Arg)) O-Resolute Racing. B-Bill Klisit (Ky). T-Will Walden. J-Axel Concepcion. Champion Maryfield (Elusive Quality), who won the 2007 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, was disappointing as a producer, but her top earner Hallawallah (Candy Ride {Arg}) has a chance to burnish the family resume. Hallawallah earned $188,789 with no black type and Beyer...

Resolute Racing's La Rascasse (f, 3, Authentic--Hallawallah, by Candy Ride {Arg}) lost the lead inside the final furlong to fellow first-time starter Belle (Uncle Mo), but the 6-1 chance dug down determinedly hard against the inside rail and had her head in front at the conclusion of a hot-looking maiden special weight Saturday afternoon at Keeneland. The effort was good for 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard honors. One of the first into stride from her high draw, the $750,000 Keeneland September yearling was content to chase from a three-wide...