TDN RISING STARS

September 14, 2007 - Turfway Park, Race 2, Msw, USD $22,000, 5 1/2f

Referee, C, 2007, by Distorted Humor

1st Dam: Officiate, by Deputy Minister
2nd Dam: Tricky Squaw, by Clever Trick
3rd Dam: Black Apache, by Gainsworth

Owner: WinStar Farm LLC
Breeder: Aaron U & Mare D Jones (KY)
Trainer: Todd A Pletcher

Referee, a half-brother to Mo Cuishle (Saint Ballado), GSW, $199,475, sold for $1.2 million a year ago at Keeneland September, making him the highest-priced yearling for his sire in 2006. Sporting a solid worktab at Churchill, the handsome chestnut went postward as the 7-5 peoples' choice and did not disappoint. He broke alertly, but was reined back a bit to race just behind the leaders. Taken four wide by Julien Leparoux on the turn, Referee came after pacesetter St. Joe (Trippi) with a furlong to run and drew off smartly under a hand ride to score by 7 3/4 lengths. St. Joe held on for second. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $13,730.