TDN RISING STARS

July 26, 2014 - Saratoga, Race 7, Alw, USD $85,000, 6f, NW1$X

The Big Beast, c, 3, 2011 by Yes It's True

1st Dam: V V S Flawless, by Deputy Minister
2nd Dam: Singing Heart, by Palace Music
3rd Dam: Amazing Love, by Advocator

Owner: Alex & JoAnn Lieblong
Breeder: Green Willow Farms (MD)
Trainer: Anthony Dutrow

The aptly named The Big Beast flashed some ability when getting uncorked too late to just miss behind Fabulous Kid (Congrats) in his Oaklawn unveiling for Steve Hobby in March. He was subsequently transferred to the barn of Tony Dutrow, but could only manage a third-place run with a wide trip as the 6-5 favorite at Belmont May 3. The hulking bay put it all together last time with a 4 1/2-length front-running tally back at Big Sandy June 8, and was pounded in the wagering down to 8-5 here facing a group that appeared on paper to feature a number of viable alternatives. Scrubbed on from his rail draw by Javier Castellano to seize the early advantage, The Big Beast was pestered by familiar foe Fabulous Kid through taxing splits of :21.75 and :44.41. He was still going well at the top of the lane, however, and lengthened his advantage from there to streak home 6 1/4 lengths clear in fast time. Gombey Dancer (Dixie Union) was second, while Fabulous Kid faded to eighth. The winner was a $32,000 KEESEP yearling turned $150,000 OBSAPR 2-year-old after a :10 1/5 breeze. Lifetime Record: 4-2-1-1, $115,500.