TDN RISING STARS

November 12, 2011 - Aqueduct, Race 7, Msw, USD $50,000, 6 1/2F

Consortium, G, 2, 2009 by Bernardini

1st Dam: Marietta (MGSW, $297,082), by Machiavellian
2nd Dam: Minister Wife, by Deputy Minister
3rd Dam: Dowery, by Full Pocket

Owner: Darley Stable
Breeder: Darley (KY)
Trainer: Kiaran P McLaughlin

Consortium didn't offer many clues to his ability on the tote or with his worktab, but the Darley homebred showed plenty when it counted to dust this well-bred group of maidens. The 13-1 shot broke well, but could not keep up with a hot opening half in :45.26 set by D' Pepjo (Hard Spun), a 3/4-brother to the speedy Lost In The Fog (Lost Soldier). Consortium ranged up willingly and in hand three wide along the home bend, pulled clear without being asked approaching the eighth pole and glided home 4 3/4 lengths clear. "He's done everything right and we have always liked him,"trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said. "He's trained really well all along and has a great mind. Alan [Garcia] rode him great. He broke sharply and was able to sit and wait. It's another nice win for Bernardini--he is a great sire." Well-backed second timer Rise Against (Discreet Cat) was second best, with another 6 1/2-length gap back to show horse School Spirit (Pulpit). D' Pepjo faded to ninth, while Common Bond (Hard Spun), a half to To Honor and Serve (Bernardini), was sixth. Consortium's dam Marietta, a Darley homebred herself, took the GIII Iowa Oaks and GIII Arlington Oaks for trainer Eoin Harty in 2007. Consortium is her first foal. She has a yearling filly by A.P. Indy, was barren to Medaglia d'Oro in 2011 and was bred back to Bernardini. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $30,000.