TDN RISING STARS

January 18, 2014 - Gulfstream Park, Race 4, Msw, USD $47,000, 1 1/8m, ft

Tonalist, c, 3, 2011 by Tapit

1st Dam: Settling Mist, by Pleasant Colony
2nd Dam: Toll Fee, by Topsider
3rd Dam: Toll Booth, by Buckpasser

Owner: Robert S Evans
Breeder: Woodslane Farm (KY)
Trainer: Christophe Clement

Tonalist finished fourth on debut behind two fellow Tapits--Matterhorn and Harpoon--going a mile at the Big A Nov. 16. Adding blinkers and Lasix for this second attempt, the 7-2 shot was hard ridden from his rail draw, but took up a mid-pack spot down the backside while kept off the inside by Joe Bravo. Unleashing a premature bid five wide around the home turn, the lanky bay steadily advanced on the leader Global Strike (Smart Strike) and put a neck in front of that rival entering the lane. Global Strike clawed back the lead briefly, but Tonalist proved more determined and eventually put away his stubborn foe to level off nicely and earn his diploma by four lengths. According to Trakus data, Tonalist covered 27 feet more than the runner-up, which equates to a difference of approximately 3.18 lengths. Sales history: $195,000 RNA yrl '12 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $28,950.