TDN RISING STARS

January 8, 2012 - Gulfstream Park, Race 9, Alw, USD $53,500, 1M, NW1$X

Aqsaam, f, 4, 2008 by Dynaformer

1st Dam: Harbor Blues, by Petionville
2nd Dam: Downtown Blues, by Seattle Song
3rd Dam: Sultry Sally, by Raja Baba

Owner: Shadwell Stable
Breeder: Everest Stables Inc (KY)
Trainer: Kiaran P McLaughlin

Aqsaam, a $440,000 KEENOV weanling purchase, made the most of her belated racetrack bow at Saratoga last Sept. 5. Originally scheduled for a grassy mile, it was rained onto a sloppy main track and run at seven furlongs, but Aqsaam handled all that, a slow start and a wide trip to score in the dying strides. Away since, she resurfaced here as the 2-1 favorite in her turf and two-turn debuts. Pinched back a bit at the start, the dark bay filly was patiently handled near the back of the field, but was forced to travel in the three path down the backstretch. She commenced her rally wide on the turn and leveled out beautifully in the lane, stretching clear to win by a widening 1 3/4 lengths. Affair Dabbler (Star Dabbler), also trying the grass for the first time, won a photo for second from Heart Union (Dixie Union). Aqsaam is a half-sister to Lady Lumberjack (Forestry), MGSP, $205,200. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $62,220.