TDN RISING STARS

January 7, 2024 - Aqueduct, Race 4, Msw, USD $70,000, 6 1/2F

Crimson Light, C, 3, 2021 by City of Light

1st Dam: Crimson Frost, by Stormy Atlantic
2nd Dam: Rock Jasmine, by Horse Chestnut (SAf)
3rd Dam: Ski Racer (Fr), by Ski Chief

Owner: Whisper Hill Farm
Breeder: South Gate Farm (NY)
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher

Achieving the mark of 'TDN Rising Star' means that you have done something out of the ordinary. Though he may have been green at the start of Aqueduct's fourth race on a slop-filled Sunday afternoon, by the time it was over, Crimson Light (c, 3, City of Light–Crimson Frost, by Stormy Atlantic) proved he earned the title. The colt definitely fit the mold when he came back from a seemingly insurmountable distance to graduate.

The Todd Pletcher trainee debuted with Lasix as the even-money choice here, but he hopped so badly at the start that he spotted the field at least 15 lengths. With Kendrick Carmouche aboard, the bay steadily began to pick up steam into the far turn even though the cameras were focused on the leaders. Rolling from the back of the pack, the bay moved to the center of the course down the lane, briefly was bumped by Shore Time (Not This Time), but was able to get up in the shadow of the wire. A claim of foul by Shore Time's rider was dismissed by the stewards and the result stood.

Crimson Light is his dam's first offspring, but he does have a 2-year-old unraced half-brother named Guns and Ships (Gun Runner), who was purchased for $310,000 by Greg Tramontin at Keeneland September. Crimson Frost initially went to S.F. Henderson for $10,000 at '15 Keeneland September before selling to Amy Moore for $250,000 at the '20 Keeneland November Sale while the winner was in-utero.