TDN RISING STARS

July 4, 2024 - Belmont at Aqueduct, Race 4, Msw, USD $90,000, 1M

Headline Numbers, F, 3, 2021 by Gun Runner

1st Dam: Curlin's Mistress, by Curlin
2nd Dam: Withmom'sapproval, by With Approval
3rd Dam: Wonderful Mom, by Rexson

Owner: Klaravich Stables, Inc.
Breeder: Alter's Racing Stables, Inc. (KY)
Trainer: Chad C. Brown

Klaravich Stable's Headline Numbers (Gun Runner) became the latest to impress from the family of breeder Happy Alter's Withmom'sapproval (With Approval) with an effortless last-to-first victory at Belmont at Aqueduct Thursday. The 8-5 favorite, settled at the back of the field down the backstretch. She rushed up rapidly while four wide on the far turn and took charge into the lane before skipping effortlessly clear down the lane to score by 11 3/4 lengths and become the latest 'TDN Rising Star.'

Headline Numbers, a $325,000 KEESEP yearling, has a 2-year-old full-brother named Strategic Focus, who was also purchased by Seth Klarman's Klaravich, which purchased him for $500,000 at last year's Keeneland September sale. Her dam, Curlin Mistress produced a colt by Authentic this year.

Curlin's Mistress is a full-sister to three-time graded stakes winner Curlin's Approval, who was bred, co-owned and trained by Alter, and a half to multiple graded-placed Apologynotaccepted (Fusaichi Pegasus), who was herself tabbed a 'TDN Rising Star' while breaking her maiden in her debut as a 5-year-old. The mare went on to finish second in the 2017 GII Fleur de Lis S. among three graded placings.

Curlin's Approval was represented by a $1-million Into Mischief filly at the 2022 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga sale and by a $725,000 Into Mischief colt at last year's Keeneland September sale.

Alter bred and campaigned Headline Number's second dam Withmom'sapproval, as well as third dam Wonderful Mom.