TDN RISING STARS

July 26, 2008 - Saratoga, Race 2, Msw, USD $62,000, 6f

Munnings, c, 2, 2006 by Speightstown

1st Dam: La Comete, by Holy Bull
2nd Dam: La Gueriere, by Lord At War (Arg)
3rd Dam: Lady Winborne, by Secretariat

Owner: Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith
Breeder: Dan Tayloe & Glencrest Farm (KY)
Trainer: T A Pletcher

Munnings, a $150,000 FTSAUG yearling, drilled an eighth in :10 at the FTFFEB under-tack show and was acquired for $1.7 million, the second highest-priced juvenile at the sale behind GII Sanford S. winner Desert Party. The handsome chestnut had been in steady training at Todd Pletcher's Belmont Park base since late May, most recently working four furlongs in :48 3/5 July 13 and five furlongs in 1:00 3/5 July 21. Favored at even-money, Munnings broke seventh, but was rushed up quickly along the rail by John Velazquez to set a pressured pace. Mixing it up with Just a Coincidence (Forestry) through a half mile in :44.92, Munnings began to shake clear in the stretch and finished up strongly to win by 4 1/4 lengths. Just a Coincidence stayed on to complete the exacta. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $37,200.