TDN RISING STARS

July 2, 2015 - Belmont Park, Race 4, Msw, USD $75,000, 5F

Tonasah, f, 2, 2013 by Malibu Moon

1st Dam: Quanah County (MSP), by Valid Expectations
2nd Dam: Platinum Pearl, by Plugged Nickle
3rd Dam: Pink Platinum, by Quadrangle

Owner: StarLadies Racing
Breeder: Smart Angle LLP (PA)
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher

A late scratch out of Belmont's Astoria S. when she delayed the start for several minutes after dumping pilot Javier Castellano in the post parade and taking a lengthy spin around the Belmont oval June 4, Tonasah was no secret at the windows when hammered into 4-5 favoritism for this official debut. The start was slightly delayed with several rivals acting up in the gate, but the bay was wearing first-time blinkers and didn't turn a hair prior to the gates being sprung. The $170,000 KEENOV weanling, who blossomed into a $250,000 KEESEP yearling, caught a flyer from the stalls and rolled through a quarter in :22.18 while two lengths clear of her rivals. Moving comfortably under a motionless Castellano through a half-mile in :45.59, Tonasah was seven lengths in front at the head of the stretch and ultimately won by 5 1/2 good-looking lengths over 25-1 longshot Awesome Dame (Awesome of Course), who made up some late ground to take runner-up honors. Fabulous Devotion (Tapit) ran sixth. The winner is a half to Quantum Miss (Smoke Glacken), GSW, $251,950; and Kelwynne (Yes It's True), SP, $154,014. The winner's dam Quanah County, who was most recently purchased for $210,000 at the 2014 Keeneland November sale in foal to Malibu Moon, produced a colt by Tiznow in 2014 and a full-brother to Tonasah this term. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $45,000.