'TDN Rising Star' and GISW Arabian Knight (Uncle Mo–Borealis Night, by Astrology) will stand at Hill 'n' Dale next season for a fee of $30,000 Live Foal, the farm announced Friday.
A sales-topping $2.3 million purchase from the 2022 Ocala Breeders' April 2-Year-Old Sale, Arabian Knight became a 'Rising Star' on Breeders' Cup day that year at Keeneland, where he drew clear to win by 7 1/4 lengths in 1:21.98.
In his second start, the Zedan Racing Stables'-owned colt won the GIII Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park by 5 1/2 lengths. In last year's GI Pacific Classic, he became the first horse to win the 1 1/4-mile race with only three previous starts.
“He showed his brilliance from day one of the 2-year-old sale where he was a man amongst boys,” said trainer Bob Baffert. “We knew he was special from the moment we saw him. He has what I love in a horse: beautiful conformation and brilliance.”
Hill 'n' Dale owner John Sikura added: “I was at Keeneland the day that Arabian Knight broke his maiden. He was brilliantly fast yet effortless in his first start, winning off without being asked. The first time I saw him in person, Bob Baffert said, 'Let me show you the perfect racehorse. His presence and conformation are flawless.' The breeders who have come to see him at the farm have a true understanding of that statement.”
“As a Grade 1-winning son of Uncle Mo, Arabian Knight has the brilliance, physicality, and effortless motion that are so important for a sire to possess,” Sikura continued. “He was the star at the 2-year-old sale making $2.3 million and has the 'it' factor we all look for. We anticipate he will be very popular at this fee.”
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