TDN RISING STARS

February 16, 2007 - Fair Grounds, Race 8, Alw, USD $47,500, 1m, NW1X

Ketchikan, C, 2007, by Mr. Greeley

1st Dam: Flowers And Vines, by Blushing John
2nd Dam: Lilac Garden, by Roberto
3rd Dam: Balletomane, by Nijinsky II

Owner: B Wayne Hughes
Breeder: Liberation Farm & Oratis Thoroughbreds (KY)
Trainer: Albert M Stall Jr.

A $110,000 KEESEP yearling who blossomed into a $500,000 KEEAPR juvenile, Ketchikan caught a sloppy track in his 5 1/2-furlong debut on Christmas Eve and wound up fourth. With that experience under his belt, the chestnut graduated by 4 3/4 lengths in similar conditions Jan. 22, earning big speed figures. He was the 3-1 second choice here while tackling two turns for the first time. Ketchikan settled into third down the backstretch, but began to draw closer to favored Ceasar's March (Leestown) heading into the far turn. He ranged up approaching the stretch and made the lead easily, drawing off to score by three lengths under a motionless Larry Melancon. Reporting for Duty (Deputy Commander) got up for second, while Ceasar's March stayed on for third. The winner, a half-brother to Un Fino Vino (Demidoff), MGSP, $339,895, was produced by a full sister to the ill-fated GISW Blushing K D. His dam is also a half-sister to champions Electronic Unicorn (Housebuster) and Ambitious Cat (Storm Cat). Lifetime Record: 3-2-0-0, $55,440.