TDN RISING STARS

November 23, 2014 - Churchill Downs, Race 7, Msw, USD $41,000, 7f

Skywarn, f, 2, 2012 by Congrats

1st Dam: Rising Tornado, by Storm Cat
2nd Dam: Silver Star (GB), by Zafonic
3rd Dam: Monroe, by Sir Ivor

Owner: Juddmonte Farms Inc
Breeder: Millsec Ltd (KY)
Trainer: Bill Mott

Even taking into account that she's a half to MGISW Close Hatches (First Defence), $2,707,300, Skywarn took a ton of money at first asking for a Bill Mott horse, and showed why with a strong runner-up try at 8-5 odds in an off-the-turf, one-mile maiden over this strip on Halloween. A smart play here at 2-1 odds, the Juddmonte homebred was away alertly and raced just off the leaders from a wide perch. She forged to lead on turn, turned back the challenge of a rival in the lane and, shifting out some in the final strides, held the late charge of a hard-luck Shook Up (Tapit) by a half-length. Julien Leparoux, on Shook Up, alleged interference against the winning rider Shaun Bridgmohan, but stewards let the result stand. The runner-up, from the good mare Sugar Shake (Awesome Again), steadied several times and is another to watch in the future. Skywarn competed without Lasix. The 9-year-old Rising Tornado has a yearling colt by First Defence and a weanling full-sister to Close Hatches by that sire. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $32,800.