TDN RISING STARS

April 10, 2013 - Keeneland, Race 7, Alw, USD $60,000, 1 1/16m, NW1X

War Dancer, c, 3, 2010 by War Front

1st Dam: Deed I Do (GSP, $216,648), by Alydeed
2nd Dam: Shepherd's Moon, by Silver Hawk
3rd Dam: Look North, by Northern Dancer

Owner: Magdalena Racing (Susan McPeek)
Breeder: Cherry Valley Farm LLC & Stuart S Janney III LLC (KY)
Trainer: Ken McPeek

War Dancer, second behind subsequent GIII Transylvania S. hero Jack Milton (War Front) in his two-turn grassy debut at Gulfstream Jan. 12, was a disappointing fourth when tried on the dirt in Hallandale Feb. 9. Back on turf and stretched to nine furlongs at Gulfstream Mar. 9 (video), War Dancer put it all together, stalking and pouncing to post a good-looking two-length tally. Listed at a very generous 6-1 on the morning-line here, he was backed accordingly as the 8-5 favorite. Assigned post one, the dark bay was completely unprepared when they sprung the latch, and nearly catapulted Alan Garcia out of the saddle after dramatically tossing his head. Garcia remarkably kept his cool and allowed his charge to settle into stride while caboosing the field of 12 through fractions of :23.22 and :46.64. Still with plenty left to do as they approached the far turn, War Dancer began picking off horses and impressively came charging down the center of the course after several left-handers for a visually impressive half-length decision. Positively (Distorted Humor) was second. Sales history: $25,000 wlng '10 KEENOV; $220,000 yrl '11 FTSAUG. Lifetime Record: 4-2-1-0, $71,280.