TDN RISING STARS

September 27, 2023 - Churchill Downs, Race 6, Msw, USD $120,000, 5 1/2F

Twirling Good Time, F, 2, 2021 by Twirling Candy

1st Dam: Celebrategoodtimes, by Harlan's Holiday
2nd Dam: Habiboo, by Unbridled's Song
3rd Dam: Blushing Ogygian, by Ogygian

Owner: Rigney Racing, LLC
Breeder: Robert & Lawana Low (KY)
Trainer: Philip A. Bauer

Twirling Good Time (f, 2, Twirling Candy–Celebrategoodtimes, by Harlan's Holiday), well-backed at 3-1 off a 12-1 morning-line quote while making her debut in a loaded maiden special weight at Churchill Downs Wednesday afternoon, graduated with honors to earn the 'TDN Rising Star' nod.

Hung out wide in post 10, she wasn't off to the sharpest of beginnings but rushed up to force the issue from second through an opening quarter in :22.08. The Rigney Racing colorbearer took over with a flashy move while racing in hand beneath Rafael Bejarano approaching the quarter pole and kicked for home as the one to catch. The $250,000 KEESEP yearling graduate opened up impressively with a shake of the reins down the lane and had four lengths over Blue Squall (Tapwrit) while being geared down late at the wire.

The final time for 5 1/2 furlongs was a sharp 1:03.17.

Twirling Good Time, the fourth 'Rising Star' for Twirling Candy, was produced by a half-sister to graded winners Life Imitates Art (More Than Ready) and Bellera (Bernardini). This is also the female family of GISWs Street Boss (Street Cry {Ire}) and Jack Christopher (Munnings).

All five of Celebrategoodtimes's foals are winners. Twirling Good Time is her most recent produce.

Rigney Racing purchased six yearlings for a total of $1.88 million at the recently concluded Keeneland September sale, led by a $385,000 Violence filly.