TDN RISING STARS

November 7, 2024 - Churchill Downs, Race 9, Msw, USD $120,000, 1M

Admiral Dennis, C, 2, 2022 by Constitution

1st Dam: Gulf Coast, by Union Rags
2nd Dam: Sweet Success, by Candy Ride (Arg)
3rd Dam: Aspiring, by Seeking the Gold

Owner: Albaugh Family Stables LLC
Breeder: WinStar Farm, LLC (KY)
Trainer: Brad H. Cox

Admiral Dennis (c, 2, Constitution–Gulf Coast, by Union Rags), a luckless third as the favorite sprinting on debut at Churchill Downs Sept. 19, ran to the money as the 3-5 choice with a 'TDN Rising Star' performance for trainer Brad Cox in the Churchill Downs nightcap Thursday.

Drawn widest of all in post nine, the $425,000 Keeneland September yearling graduate tracked the early leaders from an outside third through an opening quarter in :22.92 in the one-turn mile contest. Admiral Dennis revved up three deep with a flashy move to reach even terms on the far turn as jockey Luis Saez opted for a fresh pair of goggles.

The pacesetting Mischievous Time (Not This Time), however, still held a narrow advantage and turned them in. He fought on gamely along the inside down the lane, but Admiral Dennis was just getting started. Admiral Dennis hit the front in deep stretch and powered clear from there to win going away by 3 1/2 lengths.

Admiral Dennis, featured in these same pages in a 'Second Chances column' on Sept. 26, becomes the 12th 'Rising Star' for Constitution.

The Albaugh Family Stables colorbearer is the first foal out of the stakes-winning Gulf Coast, who hails from the extended female family of the legendary A.P. Indy. She had a colt by Constitution in 2023 ($500,000 KEESEP yearling purchase by Spendthrift Farm and Bregman Family Racing) and was bred to Life Is Good for 2025. Admiral Dennis is bred on the same Constitution x Dixie Union cross as GSW By Your Side.

Oh Monaco (Curlin), a $650,000 KEESEP yearling produced by GISW Byrama (GB), was scratched.