MGSW/GISP 'TDN Rising Star' Messier (Empire Maker–Checkered Past, by Smart Strike) will stand stud in 2025 at New York's Rockridge Stud for $5,000 LFSN in a deal brokered by Matt Bowling of Bowling Bloodstock, the farm announced Friday.
The Sam-Son Farm homebred was purchased at the 2020 Fasig-Tipton Selected Yearlings Sale by Donato Lanni on behalf of SF Bloodstock, Madaket Stables, and Starlight Racing for $470,000 and broke his maiden in his 2nd start to become a 'Rising Star', winning by 6 1/2 lengths. He bested Forbidden Kingdom (American Pharoah) in his next start in the GIII Bob Hope Stakes and followed that with a runner-up finish in the GII Los Alamitos Futurity. A 15-length victory in his 3-year-old debut in the GIII Robert B. Lewis earned a 103 Beyer and he secured a spot in the GI Kentucky Derby with another runner-up finish in the GI Santa Anita Derby in April. As a 5-year-old, he took wins in the Excelsior Stakes at Aqueduct in March and followed up a few weeks later with a win in the GIII Westchester at the Belmont at Aqueduct meet. He retired with a record of 15-4-5-1 and earnings of $593,690.
“Messier was an exceptionally athletic colt with a very high cruising speed,” said SF's Tom Ryan. “He won graded stakes races at ages two and three and again at age five. His performance in the Bob Lewis was outstanding, stopping the clock at 1:42.40 and winning by 15 lengths with a 103 Beyer. He is an exciting addition to the stallion ranks in New York.”
Messier joins Americanrevolution, Chewing Gum, Disco Partner, Mind Control, Slumber, and War Dancer for the 2025 season at Rockridge Stud.
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