By J.N. Campbell
No matter whether it is April or October, if it's Keeneland, then you know a Wesley Ward 2-year-old who sets sail for a maiden voyage has a chance to sparkle. Royal Slipper (Uncle Mo) certainly did that on opening day Friday afternoon when the juvenile filly won impressively as a newly-minted 'TDN Rising Star'.
Breaking along the fence, Royal Slipper shot to the lead and quickly opened up a distinct advantage up the backstretch. As fellow firster Loveland (Munnings) gave chase into the far turn, the Ward trainee continued to dictate the pace and moving effortlessly into the lane, she motored home under a hand ride to win over her opponent by 4 3/4 lengths.
Out of an extended female family which includes GII Thoroughbred Club of America S. victoress Fioretti (Bernardini), Street Sense S. hero South Bend (Algorithms) and GI Santa Margarita S. heroine Fault (Blame), the winner is a full to Bast, MGISW, $852,200. Her dam Laffina (Arch) has continued to visit Uncle Mo, producing a yearling colt, foaling another May 6 and visiting him for next year.
Royal Slipper is Uncle Mo's 15th named 'TDN Rising Star'.
2nd-Keeneland, $99,588, Msw, 10-6, 2yo, f, 6f, 1:10.58, ft, 4 3/4 lengths.
ROYAL SLIPPER, f, 2, Uncle Mo
1st Dam: Laffina, by Arch
2nd Dam: St Lucinda, by St. Jovite
3rd Dam: Majestic Nature, by Majestic Prince
Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $56,575. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the free equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
O-Michael B. Tabor; B-Chelston (KY); T-Wesley A. Ward.
#1 Royal Slipper wins on debut in gate-to-wire fashion in R2 at Keeneland for trainer Wesley Ward with @ljlmvel in aboard! 👑
This 2-year-old filly is a FULL sister to MGSW Bast!
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/QyVWf0yxQM
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) October 6, 2023
O-Michael B. Tabor; B-Chelston (KY); T-Wesley Ward.
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