TDN Rising Stars

Gervais Racing's American Man (Maclean's Music) was overshadowed on paper and on the tote by 'TDN Rising Stars' presented by Hagyard Munnings Challenge (Munnings) and Doublecents (Goldencents), but capitalized on a stalk-and-pounce trip to win for the second time in three career appearances. The $120,000 KEESEP yearling turned $475,000 OBS April breezer led throughout to graduate at first asking as the favorite at Oaklawn Mar. 17, but any chances of another speed try were dashed when he was bothered at the break of a first-level allowance in Hot Springs Apr....

An additional quartet of Grade I contests and a Grade I-quality renewal of the GII Pat Day Mile highlight Saturday's Kentucky Derby undercard races at Churchill Downs. Knightsbridge Rates Top Billing In Churchill Downs S. A field of 11 comes together for yet another compelling renewal of the $1-million GI Churchill Downs Stakes, a seven-furlong contest in which Godolphin's 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Knightsbridge (Nyquist) goes in search of a maiden top-level success while looking to extend his current winning streak to five. A half-brother to Grade I-winning...

Observations on the European Racing Scene turns the spotlight on the best European races of the day, highlighting well-bred horses early in their careers, horses of note returning to action and young runners that achieved notable results in the sales ring. Thursday's Observations features the return of Wootton Centurion. 12.17 Chantilly, Cond, 3yo, c/g, 8fT WOOTTON CENTURION (IRE) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) is the first of two TDN Rising Stars, Presented by Hagyard to spring back into action on a fascinating card, with Victoria Head eyeing a potential Classic tilt for...

With Ballydoyle's press day having produced a rush of excitement for Flat enthusiasts, there is no better time to revisit some key members of the current Classic crop. With Cheltenham barely in the rearview mirror, the Guineas are already on the horizon with the key trials only just around the corner. Things are going to move very quickly between now and the first weekend in May and it is worth recalling some of the best of the 2025 TDN Rising Stars, Presented by Hagyard. As always, Aidan O'Brien is responsible...

Secured Freedom (Practical Joke), last seen finishing third to the now-sidelined Plutarch (Into Mischief) in the GIII Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita on Feb. 7, worked five furlongs in :59.60 (3/52) over the local main track Saturday morning and will make his next start in the Mar. 7 GII San Felipe Stakes, trainer Tim Yakteen said. "It was a nice drill," Yakteen said. "He had company the first half mile, finished up strong. We're on track." A $110,000 Keeneland September yearling, the Virginia-bred was fourth to future GII...

Stop us if you've heard this before: a seven-figure son of Gun Runner from the barn of Chad Brown has been sent to New Orleans to make his sophomore debut in Saturday's GII Fasig-Tipton Risen Star Stakes. Two years ago it was Sierra Leone who made the trip up from South Florida off a narrow defeat in the GII Remsen Stakes in the second of his two juvenile appearances. With Tyler Gafflione at the controls, the lanky colt took full advantage of the long straight in the Big Easy to...

Last week's news that juvenile champ and 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Ted Noffey (Into Mischief) was off the GI Kentucky Derby trail because of bone bruising resulted in a No. 1 vacancy. I went right down to deadline trying to figure out which of the top three listed below should be the new kingpin. I felt I could have made a cogent case for any of them being No. 1. However, I also feel that from No. 4 on down right now it's a kaleidoscopic free-for-all to round...

Gun Runner (Candy Ride {Arg}), the sire of 11 graded winners in 2025 (17 black-type winners in total), including three at the elite level, will stand the 2026 breeding season at Goncalo Torrealba's Three Chimneys Farm for a fee of $250,000 LFSN, the nursery announced Friday. During another banner season for his offspring at the races, Gun Runner is the sire of 'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Sierra Leone, who made this year's Whitney Stakes the third Grade I success of his career and who remains on track to...

By any metric, it's been a spectacular run at Saratoga for the Tom Amoss barn this summer, and Oscar's Hope (c, 2, Twirling Candy--Hopeful Princess, by Not This Time) put the cherry on top with a second-out romp, becoming the outfit's third 'TDN Rising Star' of the meet in the process. With penny breakage coming to New York for the first time in the Labor Day opener, the $150,000 Keeneland September yearling was away alertly enough, but was outfooted by the $1-million OBS March breezer, but chilly-on-the-board Epic Quest (Nyquist),...

When 'TDN Rising Star' Arabian Knight (Uncle Mo) went wire-to-wire to take out the 2023 GI Pacific Classic, it made trainer Bob Baffert the winningest trainer in the relatively short history of the event with seven winners, surpassing the late Bobby Frankel. The Hall of Fame conditioner will have every chance to extend that record when he sends out fellow 'Rising Star' Nysos (Nyquist) in a compelling renewal of the 10-furlong feature Saturday afternoon, with an all-expenses-paid trip to the GI Breeders' Cup Classic over the same course and distance...

Saturday's racing action at Saratoga and across the country saw not only an eye-catching number of new 'TDN Rising Stars' (the final tally stopping on five), but also current members of the club securing sensational victories against salty competition. With the runners emerging from their efforts with positive prognoses, their connections are now looking ahead. Of the established 'Rising Stars', GII Saratoga Special victor Ewing (Knicks Go) returned from that win in fine form and will now be tasked with stretching his abilities out. The Mark Casse trainee was one...

GISW Sandman (Tapit) has picked up the services of John Velazquez for his anticipated start in Preakness 150, who will replace Jose Ortiz due to another commitment for the contest. Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse promised he'd have a Hall of Fame rider for his grey son of Tapit, and a legend he has procured. Velazquez will be replacing Jose Ortiz, who had the mount in the Derby, as Ortiz has a prior commitment aboard Clever Again (American Pharoah) for trainer Steve Asmussen. The Triple Crown trail has been...