TDN RISING STARS

March 24, 2014 - Parx Racing, Race 8, Alw, USD $45,000, 6 1/2f, NW1X

Favorite Tale, G, 3, 2011 by Tale of the Cat

1st Dam: Tricky Elaine (GSP), by Grindstone
2nd Dam: Evil Elaine, by Medieval Man
3rd Dam: Distinctive Elaine, by Distinctive

Owner: PJG Stable
Breeder: Paul Conaway (PA)
Trainer: Guadalupe Preciado

Favorite Tale ran like a 1-9 shot should, taking his record to three-for-three and stamping himself as a potential major force in the sophomore sprinting division. A two-length victor on debut here Jan. 4, the bay took a track-and-trip state-bred allowance by 1 1/2 lengths Feb. 8, good for a 91 Beyer Speed Figure. He was flattered when runner-up Alex Inc (Afleet Alex) returned to annex a one-mile open allowance by 11 1/2 lengths with a 94 Beyer Speed Figure last month, and looked as close to a sure thing as there is at the track while facing just four rivals this time. Zipping out to the front from his rail draw while kept a bit off the inside down the backside, Favorite Tale faced token pressure from two rivals through an opening quarter in :22.42. He began to shake free along the bend, and was in a race all by himself after that, reporting home 14 geared-down lengths clear of his rivals. Monba Mia (Monba) was second best. The winner is out of a half-sister to Horse of the Year and champion 2-year-old Favorite Trick (Phone Trick). Lifetime Record: 3-3-0-0, $86,400.