TDN RISING STARS

February 5, 2011 - Gulfstream Park, Race 8, Mdn, USD $48,500, 7f

Cal Nation, c, 3, 2008 by Distorted Humor

1st Dam: She's a Winner, by A.P. Indy
2nd Dam: Get Lucky, by Mr. Prospector
3rd Dam: Dance Number, by Northern Dancer

Owner: WinStar Farms LLC
Breeder: WinStar Farms LLC
Trainer: Todd A Pletcher

Cal Nation, a half-brother to the successful young sire Bluegrass Cat (Storm Cat), GISW, $1,761,280, was offered as a yearling at Keeneland September in 2009, but headed back to WinStar after RNA'ing for $335,000. The bay colt joined trainer Todd Pletcher's string at Palm Meadows in December, recorded several eye-catching drills, and went postward as the 6-5 chalk in a field full of well-bred sophomores. Forced to wait as Benergy (Tapit) pitched a fit in the gate before ultimately being scratched, Cal Nation went on a fast break from his outside post, but allowed the well-named longshot Jack London (Tale of the Cat--Frost Princess) to come up the inside and lay down fractions of :22.38 and :45.07. The crowd's choice ranged up to re-engage the pacesetter approaching the stretch, quickly put him away and opened up readily under a vigorous hand ride from Johnny V. to graduate by 7 3/4 lengths. Jack London had no response to the winner, but held sway for second over Kanagaro (Indian Charlie). Cal Nation is also a half to Sonoma Cat (Storm Cat), SW, $132,042; and Lord of the Game (Saint Ballado), MGSW, $543,730. His dam, acquired privately by WinStar about 10 years ago, has a two-year-old Distorted Humor colt named Dramedy and a yearling filly by the same sire. She was bred to Medaglia d'Oro for 2011. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $23,100.