TDN RISING STARS

November 11, 2011 - Churchill Downs, Race 8, Msw, USD $46,368, 6 1/2f, ft

Ever So Lucky, C, 2011, by Indian Charlie

1st Dam: Bally Storm, by Summer Squall
2nd Dam: Bally Five, by Miswaki
3rd Dam: Charlotte Amalie (Fr), by Gay Mecene

Owner: Augustin Stable
Breeder: Jerry Jamgotchian LLC (KY)
Trainer: Jonathan E Sheppard

Ever So Lucky topped the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale after working an impressive eighth in :10 1/5, and his reputation preceded him here. The strapping bay came into his unveiling with a four-furlong bullet over this strip in :46 1/5 Nov. 8, and was backed down to 4-5. Off a half-step slowly, Ever So Lucky dragged his way to the lead under Julien Leparoux, and carved out splits of :22.76 and :46.03 while brushing off jabs from several rivals. He took a two-length lead into the stretch, leveled off beautifully and never had to extend himself, getting only pats on the neck from his pilot. Golden Ticket (Speightstown) was 3 1/4 lengths back in second. Sales history: $95,000 yrl '10 KEESEP; $600,000 2yo '11 FTMMAY. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $27,600.