TDN RISING STARS

August 2, 2024 - Saratoga, Race 1, Msw, USD $100,000, 6 1/2F

Two Sharp, F, 3, 2021 by Twirling Candy

1st Dam: Double Sharp, by Distorted Humor
2nd Dam: Bsharpsonata, by Pulpit
3rd Dam: Apasionata Sonata, by Affirmed

Owner: Rigney Racing, LLC
Breeder: Woods Edge Farm, LLC (KY)
Trainer: Philip A. Bauer

Coming in with the benefit of a race under her belt, Two Sharp (Twirling Candy) was just too good for the field of maiden fillies at Saratoga Friday to became a new 'TDN Rising Star'. Favored in her six-furlong debut at Churchill June 29 after bringing a cool $925,000 as a yearling at Keeneland September in 2022, the Rigney Racing runner spotted the field a step at the field and, while ultimately no match for the race winner, did well to get up into second. With the addition of experience and an extra half-furlong, Two Sharp was bet down to 1-2 by the Friday Saratoga crowd and certainly showed she was worth every cent, running to the front inside of Quiet Confidence (Nyquist) early before putting even her closest rival on the back foot into the far turn and making the stretch run looking like a procession, coming home under wraps to win by 11 1/4 lengths. Pricey first-time starter Lady Pink (Into Mischief), a $720,000 FTSAUG yearling buy for Peter Brant, brought home the rest of the pack in second.

Two Sharp is the fifth 'TDN Rising Star' for Twirling Candy, who also was one himself back in 2010. She is the first and only foal to date out of the winning Distorted Humor mare Double Sharp, herself a daughter of MGSW/MGISP Bsharpsonata (Pulpit). Woods Edge Farm purchased Double Sharp for $255,000 at the Keeneland November Sale in 2017.