By J.N. Campbell
Saving her best kick for the final stretch, first time starter Virgin Colada (More Than Ready–Episcopal, by Carpe Diem) mounted a strong charge down the lane to graduate and earn a 'TDN Rising Star' for her efforts at Saratoga on Sunday afternoon.
Sporting the silks of John Stewart's Resolute Racing, the filly debuted as a 9-2 shot here. The 2-year-old, who saved every bit of ground while at the rear of the field until the top of the lane, launched her bid down the center of the course and sailed confidently past the competition to get her picture taken. Pacesetter Running Away (Gun Runner) was second.
Her unraced dam's second registered foal, the winner has an older full-sister in Ready for Action. Episcopal is also responsible for a yearling colt by Twirling Candy and she produced a filly by Jack Christopher May 3. This dam is herself a half-sister to GI Runhappy Travers Stakes hero and current sire Catholic Boy (More Than Ready).
Virgin Colada is the 18th 'TDN Rising Star' for her late sire More Than Ready (by Southern Halo).
7th-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 7-21, 2yo, f, 1 1/16mT, 1:44.32, fm, 1/2 length.
VIRGIN COLADA, f, 2, by More Than Ready
1st Dam: Episcopal, by Carpe Diem
2nd Dam: Song of Bernadette, by Bernardini
3rd Dam: Winner's Edge, by Seeking the Gold
Sales History: $275,000 RNA Ylg '23 FTSAUG; $110,000 Ylg '23 FTKOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $55,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the free Equineline.com cataloguestyle pedigree.
O-Resolute Racing; B-Fred W. Hertrich lll & John D. Fielding (KY); T-Chad C. Brown.
#2 Virgin Colada closes in the center of the racetrack to break her maiden at first asking in R7 at Saratoga! 🏇
Chad Brown trains and Flavien Prat had the mount. pic.twitter.com/OK843N2jE7
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) July 21, 2024
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