TDN RISING STARS

February 18, 2012 - Santa Anita, Race 5, Msw, USD $56,000, 5 1/2f

Paynter, c, 3, 2009 by Awesome Again

1st Dam: Tizso, by Cee's Tizzy
2nd Dam: Cee's Song, by Seattle Song
3rd Dam: Lonely Dancer, by Nice Dancer

Owner: Zayat Stables LLC
Breeder: Diamond A Racing Corp (KY)
Trainer: Bob Baffert

Paynter, produced by a full-sister to the great Tiznow, made a very favorable impression capturing this unveiling in the easiest manner possible. The handsome bay, a $325,000 KEESEP yearling, had been working forwardly for this, and when the field was whittled to four by scratches, bettors sent him off as the 3-5 choice. Settled a few lengths off in the early going as stablemate Spring Warrior (Speightstown) ripped through a quarter in :21.52, Paynter ranged up three wide into the lane and powered clear to a dazzling 4 1/4-length victory. Gophari (Eddington), who took a bad step early, recovered to finish second. Spring Warrior tired to finish fourth. Paynter is a half-brother to Tiz West (Gone West), GSW, $263,761; and Tizakitty (Distinctive Cat), SW, $158,644. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $33,600.