TDN RISING STARS

September 2, 2013 - Del Mar, Race 4, Msw, USD $75,000, 5 1/2f

Jojo Warrior, f, 2, 2011 by Pioneerof the Nile

1st Dam: Carson Jen (MSP, $137,425), by Carson City
2nd Dam: Calamitous Jen, by Deputy Minister
3rd Dam: Robertina, by Roberto

Owner: Zayat Stables LLC
Breeder: Zayat Stables LLC (KY)
Trainer: Bob Baffert

Backed down to 8-5 for this first go with a quick-looking worktab on display, Jojo Warrior followed in the hoofsteps of Grade I-winning half-sister A Z Warrior (Bernardini) and MSW and GSP J Z Warrior (Harlan's Holiday) in earning the "TDN Rising Star" distinction. Kept out in the clear while traveling in midpack early, the homebred made a smart move on the turn to take over. She kicked clear in the lane, and held safe a late bid from longshot Salsita (Two Step Salsa) to win by three lengths. There was a 5 1/4-length gap back to the third-place finisher. Jojo Warrior is the sixth winner for her freshman sire (by Empire Maker), also campaigned by Zayat Stables. In addition to 2010 GI Frizette S. winner A Z Warrior, GISW, $286,906; and J Z Warrior, MSW & GSP, $342,123; Jojo Warrior is a half to E Z Warrior (Exploit), GSW & GISP, $238,468. "We have always loved this filly from day one," offered racing manager Justin Zayat. "Her mare Carson Jen has been amazing to us. All her babies were runners. Jojo Warrior has always done everything so easy and handles herself like a professional, so we were really excited to run her. Especially being by Pioneerof the Nile, we were expecting big things." Carson Jen, who RNA'd for $685,000 at the 2011 Keeneland November sale, has a yearling filly by Candy Ride (Arg) bred by Hebert Thoroughbreds and she was bred to Tapit this past spring.