TDN RISING STARS

January 29, 2016 - Gulfstream Park, Race 10, AOC, USD $44,000, 1M, .0000, NW1X

Shagaf, c, 3, 2013 by Bernardini

1st Dam: Muhaawara (SW, $131,297), by Unbridled's Song
2nd Dam: Habibti, by Tabasco Cat
3rd Dam: Miss Sobriety, by Temperence Hill

Owner: Shadwell Stable
Breeder: Shadwell Farm, LLC (KY)
Trainer: Chad C. Brown

Shagaf made a striking impression en route to becoming the newest ‘TDN Rising Star’ in the 10th race at Gulfstream Park Friday. Breaking widest of all in the seven-horse field, the Shadwell representative battled in a four-horse scrum on the front end, with longshot Picadilly Roadster (Ghostzapper) setting fractions of :23.62 for the quarter and :46.82 for the half-mile. Despite covering extra real estate out in the four path, Shagaf assumed command shortly thereafter and, although requiring a few right-handed reminders from Irad Ortiz, Jr. when green in late stretch, accelerated away from the field to win by two lengths over the closing 36-1 Southside Warrior (Warrior’s Reward). Narrow second choice Rally Cry (Uncle Mo) was pinched at the break, and when attempting to improve position turning for home was forced to take back, but came calling late with an encouraging effort to land third. Shagaf ran out a six-length winner when unveiled going a mile at Aqueduct Nov. 22. “I was very impressed,� commented winning trainer and Eclipse Award nominee Chad Brown. “He’s trained like a super horse since he came into the barn. The whole Shadwell team came down for the race. Obviously they have Mohaymen (Tapit) in for the [GII Lambholm South Holy Bull S. Jan. 30] tomorrow and it’s a homebred of theirs. I’m very lucky they sent this horse to me. He’s special.� Brown indicated plans for Shagaf were open, with the GII Fountain of Youth S. a possibility. “We’ll speak about it in the weeks to come,� Brown added. “Hopefully he comes out of the race in good order and healthy. We’ll play it safe, nominate him everywhere and let the horse tell us and work as a team.� The winner’s dam is also a Shadwell homebred and carried their silks to victory in the Sky Beauty S. at Aqueduct, before being retired to the paddocks. Shagaf is her second foal and second winner. Subsequently, Muhaawara, a daughter of MGISW Habibti (Tabasco Cat) and a half-sister to MGSW Eldaafer (A.P. Indy), produced a 2-year-old filly by Tapit named Mahasen, a yearling filly by More Than Ready last term and was bred back to Tapit that spring. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $58,800. Click for the Equibase.com chart or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.