TDN RISING STARS

August 26, 2016 - Saratoga, Race 1, Stk, USD $200,000, 6 1/2F, .0000

Syndergaard, c, 2, 2014 by Majesticperfection

1st Dam: Magic Belle, by Gold Case
2nd Dam: Magical Thinking, by Pirate's Bounty
3rd Dam: Honeyofaprospect, by New Prospect

Owner: Eric Fein, Christopher McKenna, Harris Fein, Guri Singh & Jerry Walia
Breeder: Burleson Farms (NY)
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher

The late money came pouring in on Syndergaard and he made 3-5 look like a bargain while returning on short notice in Friday’s opener named in honor of the 2003 dual Classic winner. The chestnut, carrying the namesake of New York Mets flame-throwing All-Star pitcher Noah Syndergaard, was a visually impressive three-length debut winner versus state-breds going six furlongs at the Spa Aug. 8, good for an 86 Beyer Speed Figure. Drawn widest of all in this four-horse affair, he came blasting out of the stalls and zipped through early fractions of :21.52 and :44.35. ‘TDN Rising Star’ and second choice Bobby On Fleek, also a smart winner on debut at Belmont July 9, took a big swing and miss at the front-runner off the turn for home and Syndergaard just never let up in the stretch, splashing home to a jaw-dropping victory, earning the ‘TDN Rising Star’ distinction in the process. “We were optimistic coming in,� trainer Todd Pletcher said. “The horse trained very well and ran well in his debut. We felt like Bobby On Fleek was very impressive in his debut, so it was going to be an interesting matchup. He’s just got so much early speed that I think he kind of forced everyone to chase him a little bit. Yeah, he came with the heater today.� Pletcher continued, “As fast as he’s going, he’s doing it in a pretty relaxed fashion. Even though he was rolling along, he was doing it within himself and had his ears pricked and felt comfortable and we weren’t going to take away what comes easy.� Pletcher added that Syndergaard may be aimed at the GI Champagne S. going a one-turn mile at Belmont Park Oct. 8. Syndergaard, a $92,000 Fasig-Tipton July yearling, sold for $450,000 at OBS April after breezing an eighth in a co-bullet :9 4/5. His dam was bred to Fast Anna this season. Syndergaard’s dam Magic Belle, a $425,000 OBSMAR buy for Puglisi Stable and four-time winner of $132,400, brought $26,000 from Lyn Burleson while in foal to Tiz Wonderful at the 2010 KEEJAN sale.