TDN RISING STARS

May 22, 2013 - Belmont Park, Race 1, , USD $77,000, 1 1/16m, NW1X

Maximova, f, 3, 2010 by Danehill Dancer (Ire)

1st Dam: Honoria (Ire) (SW-Ire), by Sadler's Wells
2nd Dam: Tedarshana (GB), by Darshaan (GB)
3rd Dam: Te Kani, by Northern Dancer

Owner: Gallaghers Stud
Breeder: Gallagher's Stud (NY)
Trainer: Christophe Clement

Maximova was favored in her career debut over the yielding turf at the Big A Apr. 14, and duly rewarded her backers by coming home a one-length winner (click here for ‘In Sharper Focus’). Sent off a tasty 5-1 chance in this second go, she was caught flat-footed at the start, forcing her to spot the field a few lengths. Despite the setback, jockey Jose Lezcano remained confident on the filly, allowing her to trail through pokey opening fractions of :24.48 and :49.51. Pulling her way into contention along the inner down the backstretch, she was shuffled back approaching the quarter pole, but responded quickly when finding a seam turning for home. Finding daylight along the rail in early stretch, the homebred cruised up to reach the leaders, angled out three wide to overtake Corporate Culture (English Channel) and the tiring pacesetter Lemon Song (Lemon Drop Kid) late and burst clear late to hand Corporate Culture a 1 3/4-length defeat. Lemon Song faded to last. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $85,200.