TDN RISING STARS

March 4, 2009 - Laurel, Race 7, Msw, USD $28,000, 6f

Despite the Odds, c, 3, 2006 by Speightstown

1st Dam: Lady Aloma (MSW, $110,359), by Cozzene
2nd Dam: Rosedon, by Vice Regent
3rd Dam: Dobbinee, by Ruritania

Owner: R Larry Johnson, Michael J Ryan & Jerry Dilger
Breeder: Walton Breeders
Trainer: Michael Trombetta

Despite the Odds, a $300,000 FTMMAY juvenile purchase, had good bottom to him after training at Fair Hill before posting a local five-furlong gate work in 1:02 1/5 Feb. 24. Breaking alertly, the 3-2 chalk held a narrow advantage after a :22.31 first quarter, but that was as close as they got to him. The grey cornered neatly into the stretch, found another gear when jockey Jeremy Rose showed him the stick and strode home an impressive 10 3/4-length winner. Despite the Odds is a half-brother to Karra Kul (Strawberry Road {Aus}), SW & GSP, $286,205; and Chopinina (Lear Fan), Ch. Turf Mare-Can, GSW & GISP, $613,696. Click for the brisnet.com chart or the brisnet.com pedigree. Video, sponsored by Taylor Made. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $15,960.