Calumet Farm's unbeaten homebred Far Bridge (c, 3, English Channel–Fitpitcher, by Kitten's Joy) kicked home impressively for 'TDN Rising Star' honors in a grassy optional claimer at Gulfstream Park Saturday.
The bay was a head better than the promising Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) over the same course and distance on debut Jan. 21. Carl Spackler returned to earn a 'Rising Star' tag of his own with a smashing, 8 3/4-length maiden victory here Feb. 25.
Hammered down to 1-2 here, Far Bridge raced under cover passing the grandstand for the first time. He was in no hurry racing toward the rear through an opening quarter in :22.99 and had his work cut out for him entering the far turn. All dressed up with nowhere to run at the top of the stretch, he knifed his way through rivals in the stretch and unleashed an explosive turn of foot to score by 3 1/2 lengths over Harry Time (Ire) (Harry Angel {Ire}).
This is the second 'Rising Star' for the late, perennial leading turf sire English Channel. The English Channel over Kitten's Joy cross is also responsible for GISW Channel Cat; MGSW Spooky Channel; Canadian champion 2-year-old colt, GSW & MGISP Admiralty Pier; and GSW English Bee.
Far Bridge is the most recent produce for winning Calumet homebred Fitpticher, who died in 2021.
9th-Gulfstream, $72,000, Alw (NW1X)/Opt. Clm ($75,000), 3-11, 3yo, 1 1/16mT, 1:41.14, fm, 3 1/2 lengths.
FAR BRIDGE, c, 3, by English Channel
1st Dam: Fitpitcher, by Kitten's Joy
2nd Dam: Teenage Temper, by A.P. Indy
3rd Dam: Pleasant Temper, by Storm Cat
Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $85,200. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by TVG. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
O/B-Calumet Farm (KY); T-Christophe Clement.
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