TDN RISING STARS

April 20, 2024 - Oaklawn Park, Race 7, Msw, USD $115,000, 1 1/16M

Flashy Dancer, G, 3, 2021 by Curlin

1st Dam: Actress, by Tapit
2nd Dam: Milwaukee Appeal, by Milwaukee Brew
3rd Dam: Appealing Forum, by Open Forum

Owner: Gary & Mary West Stables Inc.
Breeder: Gary & Mary West Stables Inc. (KY)
Trainer: Brad H. Cox

Gary and Mary West homebred Flashy Dancer (f, 3, Curlin-Actress, by Tapit) came from out of the clouds to earn 'TDN Rising Star' honors for trainer Brad Cox at second asking at Oaklawn Park Saturday.

The 3-1 chance was off to a slow start and trailed the field of eight through fractions of :23.03 and :46.97 in the 1 1/16-mile affair. Flashy Dancer finally entered the picture rounding the far turn and continued to roll approaching the quarter pole. She still had her work cut out for her, however, as heavily favored Bob Baffert-trained first-time starter Miss Rockette (Into Mischief) struck the front at the top of the stretch.

Miss Rockette, a $1.25-million KEESEP yearling, kicked for home and looked well on her way while up by three lengths in the stretch, but Flashy Dancer was just warming up. Miss Rockette began to grow leg weary close to home and Flashy Dancer blew right on by to win going away by 1 1/4 lengths.

Flashy Dancer was a well-beaten second on debut as the 9-5 favorite after getting pinched at the start going a mile in the mud at Oaklawn Mar. 9.

Flashy Dancer, a half-sister to last year's GIII Withers S. winner and GII Wood Memorial S. runner-up Hit Show (Candy Ride {Arg}), becomes the 26th 'Rising Star' for Curlin. The Curlin x Tapit cross is also responsible for 2023 Horse of the Year Cody's Wish. The winner's dam Actress, winner of the 2017 GII Black-Eyed Susan S., is also responsible for a 2-year-old filly by Medaglia d'Oro. The West homebred was bred to Justify for 2024.