TDN RISING STARS

September 2, 2012 - Saratoga, Race 2, Msw, USD $80,000, 7f

Cue the Moon, f, 2, 2010 by Malibu Moon

1st Dam: Red Hot Bertie, by Tabasco Cat
2nd Dam: Clever Bertie, by Timeless Native
3rd Dam: Clever But Costly, by Clever Trick

Owner: Spendthrift Farm
Breeder: Popatop LLC (KY)
Trainer: H James Bond

Cue the Moon, who as a $310,000 KEESEP graduate was the second-highest-priced yearling from her sire's 2010 crop, sported a solid worktab heading into this and was offered a 4-1 chance for a barn hitting with a modest 3% of its firsters. Partnered with Ramon Dominguez, the bay miss broke from the rail draw and tucked in behind in fourth as favored Liquid Lunch (Street Sense) and Lucky Friend (Friends Lake) led the way. At the 3/16ths pole, Cue the Moon attempted to split rivals, but was shut off abruptly and forced to angle wide as fellow firster Emollient (Empire Maker) drove to the front. Cue the Moon quickly caught up with and passed that foe before cruising under the wire a half-length in front. The winner is a half to three stakes horses, including Red Hot Buddha (Buddha), MSW, $230,022. Her winning dam is a half to MGSW Hurricane Bertie (Storm Boot) and MGSW Allamerican Bertie (Quiet American), with graded winners Sun King (Charismatic) and Ocean Drive (Belong to Me) falling under the third dam. First-time starter Antipathy (A.P. Indy) pressed three wide into the lane but faded to fifth and had to be vanned off the track. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $48,000.