TDN RISING STARS

June 8, 2007 - Churchill Downs, Race 11, Msw, USD $48,000, 5 1/2f

La Traviata, F, 2007, by Johannesburg

1st Dam: Piedras Negras, by Unbridled
2nd Dam: Provisions, by Devil's Bag
3rd Dam: Atzimba, by

Owner: Michael Tabor, Mrs John Magnier & Derrick Smith
Breeder: John W & Marsha Antonelli (CA)
Trainer: Patrick L Biancone

Bred in California, La Traviata was a $75,000 KEENOV weanling and a $112,000 FTKJUL yearling, but blossomed into a $1.1-million FTFFEB two-year-old, the highest-priced filly of the sale. While it's been well over a year since her acquisition, it's been worth the wait. The dark bay had been training smartly at Keeneland and was bet down to 4-5 for this stage debut while flying Derrick Smith's purple and white colors. Breaking smoothly, she was in front before an opening split of :22.01 and continued to travel comfortably with her ears flicking back and forth. Jockey Julien Leparoux kept looking back for competition, but none was forthcoming, and La Traviata continued to expand her lead through the lane while being geared down late in a time 2/5 off the track record. It was 13 1/4 lengths back to the runner-up, Causeway Lady (Giant's Causeway--Mystic Lady). Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $24,428.