TDN RISING STARS

October 4, 2024 - Keeneland, Race 6, Alw, USD $110,000, 7F, NW1X

Montalcino, F, 3, 2021 by Take Charge Indy

1st Dam: Upstager, by Distorted Humor
2nd Dam: Stage Luck, by Unbridled's Song
3rd Dam: Take a Stand, by Amerigo

Owner: Twin Brook Stables, Runnels Racing & Henley Farms Inc.
Breeder: Henley Farms Inc. (KY)
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux

Montalcino (c, 3, Take Charge Indy–Upstager, by Distorted Humor), a big-figure debut winner at Saratoga Sept. 1, backed up that effort with a 'TDN Rising Star' performance in a first-level allowance for trainer Cherie DeVaux on the opening day of the Keeneland meeting Friday.

Favored at even-money while receiving first-time Lasix here, the $410,000 OBS April breezer was hustled to the front from his inside draw and traveled nicely beneath Jose Ortiz while pressed through an opening quarter in :21.61. He began to give them the slip entering the far turn, was in complete control in the stretch and reported home as a much-the-best six-length winner while stopping the timer for seven furlongs in a very sharp 1:21.56.

Montalcino, campaigned in partnership by Twin Brook Stables, Runnels Racing and Henley Farms Inc., earned a 91 Beyer Speed Figure for his aforementioned geared-down debut victory going seven furlongs at the Spa.

Montalcino is the second 'Rising Star' for Take Charge Indy, who returned to WinStar Farm in 2020 after spending three breeding seasons in Korea.

The unraced Upstager, a $50,000 Keeneland September purchase by winning co-owner and breeder Henley Farms, had a filly by City of Light this year and was bred back to Army Mule. Montalcino's third dam is MGISW Golden Ballet (Moscow Ballet), who produced GI Breeders' Cup Classic and GI Belmont Stakes winner Drosselmeyer (Distorted Humor).