TDN RISING STARS

June 28, 2009 - Hollywood Park, Race 7, Alw, USD $48,000, 6 1/2f, NW1X

Moon de French, F, 2009, by Malibu Moon

1st Dam: French Silk, by French Deputy
2nd Dam: Defreeze, by It's Freezing
3rd Dam: In Absentia, by Believe It

Owner: Zayat Stables
Breeder: Mr & Mrs Samuel H Rogers Jr (Fl)
Trainer: Bob Baffert

Moon de French made a triumphant return to the races after spending 21 months on the sidelines. The bay filly debuted a winner at Saratoga back in September of 2007, earning a 77 Beyer for the Bill Mott barn, but then went missing. Moved to Bob Baffert on the West Coast, Moon de French gave every indication in her morning drills that she was sitting on a big comeback effort and didn't disappoint as the 8-5 choice. The handsome bay was out well from the two hole and raced between rivals in the early going before sprinting clear in tandem with Puff Madie (Yankee Gentleman) into the far turn. Moon de French began to edge away after a half in :44 3/5 and, under a Garrett Gomez drive, motored home an impressive five-length winner. Dish the Dirt (Untuttable) completed the exacta. Moon de French was a $140,000 KEESEP yearling and a $400,000 RNA at the 2007 OBSMAR sale. Underground (Indian Charlie) scratched. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $66,000.