TDN RISING STARS

July 26, 2006 - Saratoga, Race 2, Msw, USD $47,000, 6F

Rondo, C, 3, 2003 by Grand Slam

1st Dam: Dama, by Storm Cat
2nd Dam: Maybe A Kiss, by
3rd Dam: Ten Cents a Kiss, by Key to the Mint

Owner: Godolphin Racing Inc
Breeder: Larry Byer (KY)
Trainer: Saeed Bin Suroor

Godolphin's colorbearer Rondo took the first maiden of the 2006 Saratoga meeting in impressive fashion. A $450,000 FTKJUL yearling and $2.9-million FTFFEB two-year-old, he made one start for Eoin Harty last year, finishing second by 3/4 of a length to High Cotton in a Belmont maiden Sept. 17. The bay resurfaced June 18 at Belmont and crossed the wire first after a hard-fought effort, but was disqualified to second because jockey Edgar Prado's whip struck a rival. Prado didn't use his stick much this time, though. Hammered down to 1-5, Rondo glided along in second through the turn, assumed command at the head of the lane with his ears pricked and opened up en route to a 9 1/2-length tally. Stablemate Thought Leader (Saint Ballado) completed the exacta. Lifetime Record: 3-1-2-0, $45,400.