TDN RISING STARS

February 16, 2011 - Gulfstream Park, Race 8, Alw, USD $51,500, 1 1/8m

Crimson China, C, 2011, by Giant's Causeway

1st Dam: Parisian Affair, by Mr. Greeley
2nd Dam: Star of Paris, by Dayjur
3rd Dam: Liturgism, by Native Charger

Owner: Team Valor International
Breeder: Plantation Stud/Silver Springs Stud Farm (KY)
Trainer: H Graham Motion

Barry Irwin's Team Valor went agonzingly close to winning the GI Kentucky Derby with Captain Bodgit back in 1997, and in Crimson China, he might be armed to take another serious crack at the Run for the Roses. Previously trained by Brian Meehan, the striking bay colt debuted auspiciously with a nose defeat at odds of 33-1 at Kempton Oct. 13. He put pay to that effort with a three-length success over the Wolverhampton all-weather Nov. 25 and was originally ticketed for a run in the GI CashCall Futurity. Time ran out on those hopes, and connections sent the colt to Florida to train for his sophomore debut. Things could not have panned out any better. Able to save some ground after breaking from the inside box, Crimson China raced in midpack down the backstretch. He was able to come off the inside and was fanned wide into the stretch, but he unleashed a determined late rally which saw him roll past favored Ari C (Stormy Atlantic) for a half-length victory at odds of 6-1. The winner was produced by a 3/4-sister to French highweight Elusive City (Elusive Quality). Sales history: $120,000 RNA yrl '09 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 3-2-1-0, $28,836.