TDN RISING STARS

May 6, 2023 - Churchill Downs, Race 13, AOC, USD $127,000, 1 1/16M, NW1X

Bo Cruz, C, 3, 2020 by Creative Cause

1st Dam: Quick Breeze, by Ghostzapper
2nd Dam: Quick Temper, by A.P. Indy
3rd Dam: Halo America, by Waquoit

Owner: Skyscraper Racing, LLC, Racingwithbruno, Brian Pagano and Patrick Grippo
Breeder: Douglas Scharbauer (KY)
Trainer: Albert M. Stall, Jr.

Bo Cruz (Creative Cause), away since a 12 1/4-length maiden romp on the stretch out at Fair Grounds Mar. 4, stamped himself as one to watch on the sophomore scene going forward–and a 'TDN Rising Star'–as he easily handled a strong-looking group of runners in the race following the GI Kentucky Derby.

The grey was second on debut sprinting in NOLA Feb. 5, but put it all together next out, earning a 91 Beyer Speed Figure for his graduation score. With clocker and agent Bruno DeJulio listed as sole owner for the colt's prior starts, Bo Cruz resurfaced here with Skyscraper Racing, Brian Pagano and Patrick Grippo added to the owner line.

Off at 7-2 as big-figure Keeneland debut winner Equivoque (Good Magic) took the most tote attention, Bo Cruz immediately seized command and cleared off by several lengths, posting splits of :24.11 and :47.96. Equivoque ranged up outside of another pursuer to try and make a race of it heading for home, but Bo Cruz had other ideas, slamming the door shut in midstretch and quickly widening his advantage to score by an auspicious three lengths in 1:43.07. Classic Legacy (Into Mischief), the half-brother to Art Collector (Bernardini) who was third last time in the GIII Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby, completed the trifecta.