TDN RISING STARS

April 17, 2024 - Keeneland, Race 3, Msw, USD $100,000, 1 1/16M

Neon Icon, F, 3, 2021 by Arrogate

1st Dam: Mademoiselle Coco, by Medaglia d'Oro
2nd Dam: Easter Bunnette, by Carson City
3rd Dam: Toll Fee, by Topsider

Owner: Glen S. Bromagen, II and Michael Dahir
Breeder: Nancy S. Dillman (KY)
Trainer: George R. Arnold, II

Glen Bromagen II and Michael Dahir's Neon Icon (Arrogate) was given a 5-1 chance for an operation not typically known for its firsters, however, that price seemed like an overlay after the sophomore rattled across the wire an uncontested 4 1/4-length winner at Keeneland Wednesday, earning TDN Rising Star distinction in the process.

Breaking from the inside stall, the $220,000 Keeneland September grad settled in a ground-saving fourth as a pair of 4-year-olds-Kara and Colleen (Bolt d'Oro) and Dynamism (Uncle Mo)-led through a :23.55 opening quarter. Finding herself behind a wall of horses and searching for a slip of daylight to open straightening for home, the grey cut her way through rivals in the lane, popped to the front midstretch and drew off under a hand ride to post the impressive win. Fellow 3-year-old Foreseen (Uncle Mo) was up for second, while Dynamism rounded out the trifecta. Final time for the 1 1/16-mile test was 1:47.08.

Neon Icon is the fourth foal out of Mademoiselle Coco, who is a half-sister to Horse of the Year and Ch. Older Mare Havre de Grace, who realized $10-million at the Fasig-Tipton Fall Mixed sale in 2010. The 11-year-old mare is also responsible for Mademoisellejackie (American Pharoah), a $200,000 KEESEP yearling purchase who went on to become a minor winner.

Last term, she produced a colt by Essential Quality and was bred back to that Darley sire.

This also represents the family of MGISW Riskaverse and Classic winner Tonalist.