TDN RISING STARS

April 15, 2023 - Keeneland, Race 6, Msw, USD $100,000, 6F

Scylla, F, 3, 2020 by Tapit

1st Dam: Close Hatches, by First Defence
2nd Dam: Rising Tornado, by Storm Cat
3rd Dam: Silver Star (GB), by Zafonic

Owner: Juddmonte Farms Inc
Breeder: Juddmonte Farms Inc (KY)
Trainer: Bill Mott

The latest royally-bred filly to hit the track for owner/breeder Juddmonte Farm, Scylla (Tapit) lived up to her illustrious connections with a 2 1/2-length score on debut at Keeneland Saturday.

Despite being the full-sister to current Taylor Made stallion Tacitus, MGSW & MGISP, $3,767,350, Scylla earned only 5-2 billing–going off as the second choice in the wagering behind the more experienced Zeitlos (Curlin). A step slow from the blocks, the bay found herself in eighth with only a handful of rivals beaten as Miss Arlington (Mark Valeski) paced the field through opening fractions of :22.50 and :46.31. Given her head with room to run around the far turn, Scylla began to pick up the pieces with an impressive move towards the front, challenging new leader Zeitlos with a furlong to run. With more left to give and all the momentum, she cruised by into the final sixteenth and cleared off nicely to the wire to win by open lengths going away under only a mild ride.

The third winner produced from champion older mare Close Hatches (First Defense), herself a full-sister to SW & MGISP Lockdown–the dam of SW Idiotmatic (Curlin)–Scylla traces back to European champion 2-year-old colt Xaar (GB) (Zafonic) as well as G1 Tattersalls Irish Two Thousand Guineas and GI Keeneland Phoenix S. victor Siskin (First Defence). Close Hatches has a 2-year-old full-brother to Tacitus and Scylla still to make the races along with a yearling Constitution filly and a newborn Uncle Mo filly, all of whom remain with Juddmonte. Scylla is Tapit's 52nd 'TDN Rising Star'.