TDN RISING STARS

October 17, 2007 - Keeneland, Race 6, Msw, USD $50,000, a7f

Monba, c, 2, 2005 by Maria's Mon

1st Dam: Hamba, by Easy Goer
2nd Dam: Ciao, by Lear Fan
3rd Dam: Ciao For Now, by Nureyev

Owner: Starlight Stable & Donald J Lucarelli
Breeder: Mill Ridge Farm Ltd & Jamm Ltd (KY)
Trainer: Todd A Pletcher

A $200,000 FTSAUG yearling purchase, Monba was part of his trainer's string across Interstate 64 at Churchill Downs and sported a worktab that was solid, if not eyecatching. With Rene Douglas named, the gray drifted from his morning-line quote of 5-1 to a dime short of 10-1 at the off. Smoothly into stride, Monba was never far from the front while tracking the pace from three or four wide. Douglas popped the question and the colt caught the eye leaving the quarter pole. He made the front four wide into the lane and was going very well late, scoring by an easy 4 1/4 lengths while galloping out as if looking for more distance. The winner's dam is the last foal from Ciao, who also produced GISW Secret Hello and GSWs Hadif and Silent Account. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $31,270.