TDN RISING STARS

September 13, 2013 - Churchill Downs, Race 6, Msw, USD $46,000, 6f

Almost Famous, c, 2, 2011 by Unbridled's Song

1st Dam: Wild Gams (MGSW & GISP, $1,198,486), by Forest Wildcat
2nd Dam: Diamonds And Legs, by Quiet American
3rd Dam: Ah Love, by Lear Fan

Owner: Chuck & Maribeth Sandford
Breeder: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC (KY)
Trainer: Patrick Byrne

A $75,000 Keeneland September yearling, Almost Famous breezed a furlong in :10 3/5 at the Fasig-Tipton Florida sale and was hammered down for $500,000 to Charles Sandford. He was given a 9-2 chance for a trainer who had not had much recent success with newcomers, but who did unveil eventual GI Florida Derby winner Take Charge Indy (A.P. Indy) successfully for these connections at Arlington two years ago. Quick-working favored firster Coastline (Speightstown) broke on top here before conceding the lead to Squall Line (Cowboy Cal), who in turn passed the baton to Almost Famous as that runner moved up along the rail. The dark bay soon posted splits of :22.54 and :46.67 and held a comfortable two-length advantage entering the straight as pilot Calvin Borel looked back confidently at the re-rallying Coastline. Showing his immaturity in the stretch, Almost Famous always had his pursuer's measure despite skimming off the rail several times, and reported home a very promising 2 1/4-length victor. There was a 13-length gap back to the show horse. The winner's dam was purchased for $1 million at the 2008 Keeneland November sale. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $27,600.