TDN RISING STARS

November 15, 2024 - Gulfstream Park, Race 6, Msw, USD $65,000, 6F

Rojo Rita, F, 2, 2022 by Volatile

1st Dam: D'ya Knowwhatimean, by Broken Vow
2nd Dam: Tamina, by Dixie Union
3rd Dam: Top Tip, by Lost Code

Owner: Kamil Ozhan
Breeder: Glen Oak Farm & Two Stamps Stables (KY)
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.

Rojo Rita (Volatile) gave her connections something to celebrate here as she cruised home the easiest of winners in this unveiling, and secured her nod as the newest 'TDN Rising Star' in the process.

An $80,000 Keeneland September purchase in 2023, Rojo Rita has been working steadily at Palm Meadows before this debut, with her Nov. 1 five-furlong work over that main track in :59.35 being rated as the fastest of five on the morning. Her Nov. 8 four-panel breeze went in :48.25, and she was rated fourth fastest of 33. The works that day were led by 'TDN Rising Star' Shisospicy (Mitole), who worked the bullet in :46.90.

Sent off here as the 7-5 second choice behind 6-5 favorite Reputation (Bolt d'Oro), Rojo Rita set the tempo through :22.19 and :46.40 early splits along the rail. Lingering on her left lead but giving her competition the slip, she had built up a seven-length margin entering the stretch. Switching to the correct leg late but still in complete control to the wire, it was a long way back to Snitch Dorada (Maximus Mischief) in second, 16 1/4 lengths to be exact, as the favorite could only manage third.

Rojo Rita is her sire (by Violence)'s third 'TDN Rising Star'.

The victress is the most recent offspring to reach racing age for her dam, D'ya Knowwhatimean. From four foals to survive, all of them have gotten their picture taken with the eldest being Answer In (Dialed In), GSP, $445,580, tus far the only one to earn black-type. The mare, herself three-times placed against stakes competition, most recently produced a yearling full-sister to Rojo Rita. She did not produce a foal this year after a visit to Olympiad and was sent to Dialed In for 2025.

This is the extended family of GSW Classy Edition (Classic Empire) and her half-sister MSW Newly Minted (Central Banker); GISP Golden Post; and GSW Miss Union Avenue, who in turn produced GII American Derby hero Union Avenue.