TDN RISING STARS

January 27, 2013 - Gulfstream Park, Race 6, Msw, USD $52,500, 1 1/8m

Tokyo Time, f, 3, 2010 by Medaglia d'Oro

1st Dam: Flying Passage, by A.P. Indy
2nd Dam: Chic Shirine, by Mr. Prospector
3rd Dam: Too Chic, by Blushing Groom (Fr)

Owner: Emory A. Hamilton
Breeder: Emory A. Hamilton (KY)
Trainer: Shug McGaughey

Tokyo Time looked a bit green in her seven-panel debut over the Belmont sod Oct. 13, but was much improved next time when second stretching out to 1 1/16 miles over this course. She was flattered when the winner that day Tapicat (Tapit) returned to romp by 5 1/4 lengths in a Jan. 9 allowance and earn the "TDN Rising Star" distinction. Getting blinkers and adding a little more distance, the even-money favorite broke on top and set the pace along the rail, sailing through opening fractions of :23.52 and :47.88. The Emory Hamilton homebred extended her lead on the turn and drew away down the stretch to finish 5 1/4 lengths ahead of Derheart (Dehere). "I knew she needed to go longer," said owner and breeder Emory Hamilton. "I have complete faith in [trainer] Shug [McGaughey] doing the right thing and choosing the right spot. He was pretty confident going into this one." Tokyo Time is the fourth foal out of Flying Passage and is a half-sister to the Hamilton-bred Hungry Island (More Than Ready), MGSW & MGISP, $543,770; and Soaring Empire (Empire Maker), GSW, $386,393. Both her first dam and second dam Chic Shirine (Mr. Prospector), winner of the 1987 GI Ashland S., were bred and raised by Hamilton. Hamilton also bred and owned Chic Shiren’s full-sister Queena, who was a multiple grade I stakes winner and 1991 champion older mare. Hamilton boards her broodmares at her sister Helen Alexander’s Middlebrook Farm near Lexington and she currently has 11 broodmares. Lifetime Record: 3-1-1-0, $35,640.