TDN RISING STARS

April 19, 2017 - Keeneland, Race 1, Msw, USD $60,000, 4 1/2F

Ten City, c, 2, 2015 by Run Away and Hide

1st Dam: Maiden America, by Rock Hard Ten
2nd Dam: Ameriflora, by Danzig
3rd Dam: Graceful Touch, by His Majesty

Owner: Tommie M. Lewis
Breeder: Phillips Racing Partnership (KY)
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek

Ken McPeek-conditioned newcomer Ten City (Run Away and Hide) was crushed in the wagering down to even-money despite the presence of Wesley Ward trainee Nuclear Option (First Defence), and that money proved well-informed as the dark bay colt turned in a sparkling performance despite obvious immaturity. Slightly outbreaking Nuclear Option, the $12,000 Fasig-Tipton October grad dueled with that rival from the two path through splits of :22.44 and :44.89–a mile clear of the rest of the field. He started to pull clear of his foe at the top of the lane, but shifted in front of him before pulling away by seven lengths under a Robby Albarado stranglehold, stopping the clock in a snappy :51.34. Nuclear Option’s connections lodged an objection for the incident in upper stretch, but no change was made. Ten City hails from a strong Darby Dan family that includes local GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup S. winner Tribulation (Danzig), MGISW Wonder Again (Silver Hawk), Japanese champion 2-year-old colt Grass Wonder (Silver Hawk), 1984 QE II Cup heroine Graceful Darby (Darby Creek Road), et al. His unraced dam produced a Shackleford colt in 2016 and recently foaled a filly by Tapiture.