TDN RISING STARS

October 20, 2012 - Santa Anita, Race 3, Msw, USD $47,000, 5 1/2f

Z Big Apple, c, 2, 2010 by Malibu Moon

1st Dam: Stormy Monday, by Storm Cat
2nd Dam: Bright Asset, by Private Account
3rd Dam: Mirror Bright, by Gleaming

Owner: Zayat Stables LLC
Breeder: Two Hearts Stables (KY)
Trainer: Bob Baffert

Z Big Apple was a $50,000 Keeneland September yearling turned $250,000 OBS April juvenile after zipping an eighth of a mile in :10 1/5 over the SafeTrack surface. His works whispered--more than they screamed--ready for this debut, and the athletic chestnut proved best here at 6-5. Ridden away from the gate by Rafael Bejarano, he was nonetheless beaten for speed by Russdiculous (Malibu Moon) and tugged hard against his rider as he held the rail from second. Still in behind turning for home, Z Big Apple kicked hard, but it looked for a few strides that Russdiculous had stolen away. But the chalk found another gear and, while never feeling the whip, leveled out beautifully with efficient strides and was in hand the final couple of jumps for a one-length success. The winner, also a $67,000 KEENOV weanling purchase, is a full brother to SW & GSP Pinkarella, SW & GSP, $258,300. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $28,200.