TDN RISING STARS

April 17, 2016 - Keeneland, Race 2, Alw, USD $62,000, 1 1/8M, .0000, NW1X

Stradivari, c, 3, 2013 by Medaglia d'Oro

1st Dam: Bending Strings (MGSW & MGISP, $870,612), by American Chance
2nd Dam: Straight South, by Hail the Pirates
3rd Dam: Key To The North, by Key to the Mint

Owner: John D. Gunther, Michael tabor, Derrick Smith & Mrs. John Magnier
Breeder: John D. Gunther (KY)
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher

Stradivari, a well-beaten fourth on debut at Aqueduct last November, romped home by 11 1/4 lengths in an off-the-turf 1 1/16-mile maiden at Gulfstream Park Dec. 5 and proved that victory was no fluke with a dominating display at Keeneland Sunday. The dark bay colt, making his first start in Michael Tabor’s colors, was sent off the 7-5 second choice. He stalked the pace through fractions of :24.08 and :47.47 and surged to the lead without being asked on the turn. Comfortably in front at the top of the stretch, Stradivari effortlessly extended his advantage down the lane to win by 14 1/2 lengths. Longshot Pinson (Majestic Warrior) was second. Stradivari, who RNA’d for $335,000 as a Keeneland September yearling, raced solely for breeder John Gunther in his first two outings. The Gunther-bred Bending Strings, a four-time graded stakes winner, was second in the 2004 GI Test S., GI La Brea S. and GI Go for Wand H. The mare produced a filly by Speightstown last year and was bred back to Tiznow. Click for the Equibase.com chart, Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree or VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.