July 17, 2016 - Del Mar, Race 8, Msw, USD $63,000, 5F, .0000
Chasing Aces, c, 2, 2014 by Flatter
1st Dam: Endless Sea, by Mt. Livermore
2nd Dam: Search The Sea, by Seeking the Gold
3rd Dam: Sea Regent, by Vice Regent
Owner: Rockingham Ranch
Breeder: Sun Valley Farm (KY)
Trainer: Peter Miller
Chasing Aces blew away a quality-looking group of Del Mar maidens to become the latest ‘TDN Rising Star’, setting a new track record in the process. The chestnut ran very well on debut June 25 at Santa Anita in what’s looking increasingly like a live race, finishing second to Silver Assault (Maclean’s Music)–who returned to run a good third with significant trouble in the Santa Anita Juvenile S.–and ahead of next-out winner and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Klimt (Quality Road). Hammered down to 9-10 late in this seaside run, Chasing Aces broke sharply and dueled for early supremacy with well-meant firster Straight Fire (Dominus) through a :21.84 quarter-mile. Edging away from that one nearing the top of the stretch, the Rockingham Ranch colorbearer exploded home in the final furlong under Tyler Baze, drawing off to a 5 1/2-length success in :56.21, getting his last quarter in a blazing :23.03. The final clocking broke a near 52-year-old low five-furlong mark of :56 2/5, set by Soldier Girl (Guerrero) Aug. 13, 1964. Straight Fire was well-clear for place honors. The winner is a half to Silver Ocean (Silver Train), 2x Ch. Miler-Skn, Hwt. 3yo-Ity at 7-9 1/2f, SW-Ity, GSW-Swe & Nor, GSP-Ger, SP-Fr, $524,157; and Over the Ocean (Rockport Harbor), SP-Nor, SW & GSP-Swe, $232,222. He went under the hammer for $225,000 at this track’s Barretts March sale after breezing a quarter-mile in :20 4/5. Endless Sea is responsible for a yearling filly by Street Sense and foaled a Will Take Charge colt this term. Sales History: $40,000 Wlg ’14 KEENOV; $65,000 Ylg ’15 KEESEP; $225,000 2yo ’16 BARMAR. Lifetime Record: 2-1-1-0, $49,000.