TDN RISING STARS

April 20, 2017 - Keeneland, Race 6, Msw, USD $70,000, 6F

Coal Front, c, 3, 2014 by Stay Thirsty

1st Dam: Miner's Secret, by Mineshaft
2nd Dam: Madam Lagonza, by Kingmambo
3rd Dam: Hire a Brain, by Seattle Slew

Owner: Robert V. LaPenta
Breeder: Michael Edward Connelly (KY)
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher

Todd Pletcher trainee Coal Front (Stay Thirsty) was bet like a sure thing throughout for his debut and ran to the money, dominating seven rivals despite a wide trip at Keeneland and becoming the latest ‘TDN Rising Star’.

Bought for $575,000 at OBS April after breezing a quarter-mile in :21 1/5, the dark bay showed a steady series of drills at Palm Beach Downs and completed preparations for this debut with a local five-furlong breeze in 1:00 2/5 (8/38) Apr. 15. Never floating above 2-1, Coal Front broke as the clear 13-10 chalk and came away in good order from the outside stall. Posting up in fourth while only about a length off the front through a :22.40 quarter, the Robert LaPenta colorbearer carried all the ground four-wide around the turn, but made the lead with little issue soon after straightening. It briefly appeared as though Fifth Title (Quality Road), who came off cover around the three-sixteenths pole, would mount a challenge, but Coal Front discarded that foe quickly and drew away powerfully in the final furlong to score by 6 3/4 dazzling lengths in 1:09.98. Fifth Title completed the exacta.

The winner is a half to Conquest Titan (Birdstone), SW & GSP, $241,344. His dam, a half to MGSW Woodlander (Forestry), is responsible for a yearling colt by Noble Mission (GB) and foaled a Pioneerof the Nile filly Feb. 28.