She's back, and back with a vengeance. Barbara T (f, 3, Army Mule–Alternative Energy, by Kantharos) disappeared from her foes and made her seasonal debut at Keeneland one worthy of a 'TDN Rising Star' nod.
Last seen in her lone juvenile start July 30 at Del Mar, she finished a begrudging second to fellow debuter Chatalas (Gun Runner), who would eventually go on to win the GII Chandelier S. and place in the GII Starlet S. as well as the Blue Norther S. that season. That race would also yield GISP Gate to Paradise (Arrogate).
The even-money favorite and on first-time Lasix here, Barbara T pushed the pace along from a stalking position before taking to vie for that lead entering the bend. Taking command after :22.81 and :45.95 splits, it was a matter of how much she'd like to win by and the margin was an eye-catching 11 3/4 lengths on the wire. Satin Blue (The Factor) was a well-beaten second.
The second to the races but first to get her picture taken for Alternative Energy, Barbara T has a 2-year-old full-sister as the last registered offspring for their dam. Said mare is herself a half-sister to SW Carphonic (Lion Heart) as well as to MSP Ocarson (Olmodavor), both of whom have gone on to produce winners. Barbara T is Army Mule's first 'TDN Rising Star'.
#5 BARBARA T ($4.22) breaks her maiden in just her second career start pulling away from the field in impressive fashion in race 4 at Keeneland. The daughter of Army Mule was ridden by Flavien Prat and is trained by @mwmracing.
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4th-Keeneland, $99,175, Msw, 4-26, 3yo/up, f/m, 6f, 1:10.36, ft, 11 3/4 lengths.
BARBARA T, f, 3, by Army Mule
1st Dam: Alternative Energy, by Kantharos
2nd Dam: Carsomatic, by Carson City
3rd Dam: Secretly, by Secretariat
Sales history: $25,000 Wlg '21 KEENOV; $40,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP; $120,000 2yo '23 OBSMAR. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $74,525.
Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
O-The Warnick Stable and Joseph A. Hinkhouse; B-Elevage II, LLC & St. Elias Stables LLC (KY); T-Michael W. McCarthy.
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