TDN RISING STARS

September 30, 2017 - Santa Anita, Race 3, Msw, USD $50,000, 6F

Mourinho, c, 2, 2015 by Super Saver

1st Dam: Sandi's Ready (SP, $122,783), by More Than Ready
2nd Dam: Snickeez, by Mr. Greeley
3rd Dam: Lady Theodora, by Mari's Book

Owner: Phoenix Thoroughbred III Ltd
Breeder: WinStar Farm LLC (KY)
Trainer: Bob Baffert

Mourinho (c, 2, Super Saver) stamped himself as one with a very bright future, earning ‘TDN Rising Star’honors in a dazzling debut victory on the undercard of Santa Anita’s Super Saturday program.

The $30,000 KEESEP yearling brought $625,000 from bloodstock agent Kerri Radcliffe on behalf of the fledgling Phoenix Thoroughbred operation at OBSMARafter breezing a quarter-mile bullet in a sensational :20 1/5.

Mourinho was given a 5-2 chance as Instilled Regard(Arch), runner-up on debut Sept. 2 and a $1.05-million OBSMAR grad himself, was backed down to favoritism at even-money.

Sharp off the mark after exiting from post 10, Mourinho vied for early command while racing three deep through an opening quarter in :22.02. Moving to the fore through a half in :45.44, the bay straightened for home in complete command and impressively extended his advantage through the remainder. It was 4 1/2 lengths back to Peace (Violence) in second. Instilled Regard was third.

The winner’s stakes-placed dam Sandi’s Ready (More Than Ready), purchased by Bruce Grossman for $12,000 at the 2016 KEEJAN sale, is also represented by a Hangover Kid colt of this year. She was bred back to Point of Entry.