TDN RISING STARS

December 9, 2017 - Gulfstream Park, Race 6, Stk, USD $75,000, 1M, 102.2900

Speed Franco, c, 2, 2015 by Declaration of War

1st Dam: Nabat Seif, by Street Sense
2nd Dam: Sierra Madre (Fr), by Baillamont
3rd Dam: Marie D'Irlande (Fr), by Kalamoun (GB)

Owner: Grup 7C Racing Stable
Breeder: Ice Wine Stables (KY)
Trainer: Gustavo Delgado

Grupo 7C Racing Stable’s Speed Franco (Declaration of War) showcased his ample speed in taking the Pulpit S. Saturday at Gulfstream Park to be named the newest ‘TDN Rising Star’. The $170,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase crossed the wire first in his unveiling here Sept. 23, but was disqualified to second for veering out in the stretch.

The 13-1 longshot stuck to the rail and got in front heading into the first turn through a :23.93 opening quarter. The bay slowed the pace down from there, clocking the half in :50.06 alone on the lead heading into the far turn. Once Speed Franco felt the whip from Emisael Jaramillo, he took off inside the quarter pole and never looked back for an impressive six-length victory.

“First time out he won [and] was disqualified. But, we knew the talent was there, so we took the shot and entered him in this race,� said Gustavo Delgado Jr., his father’s assistant trainer. “Everything turned out in our favor today. You don’t see this too much, where the horse takes the lead on the grass and keeps going. We’re just very pleased, he’s a nice horse.�

This is the third stakes winner for Speed Franco’s freshman sire (by War Front). He is the first foal out of Nabat Seif, an unplaced daughter of French MG1SW Sierra Madre (Fr). Nabat Seif is also a half to 1998’s European champion colt Aljabr (Storm Cat).