Robert and Lawana Low's 'TDN Rising Star' Magnum Moon (Malibu Moon), a convincing 3 1/2-length winner of Saturday's GII Rebel S. at Oaklawn Park, emerged from his effort in good order, according to Ginny DePasquale, assistant to Todd Pletcher, who accompanied both Magnum Moon and Essex H. winner Hedge Fund (Super Saver) on the trip to Arkansas.
“They both came back very well,” said DePasquale. “Both came back in good shape.”
Magnum Moon, who remained unbeaten in three career starts, was scheduled to return to South Florida Monday, but the flight could be delayed until Tuesday. Trainer Todd Pletcher indicated that the colt would most likely return to Hot Springs for the GI Arkansas Derby Apr. 14, while Hedge Fund could compete in the GII Oaklawn H. on that same card.
Justin Zayat of Zayat Stables took to Twitter Sunday to report that Rebel runner-up Solomini (Curlin) was also doing well and will point toward a start in the GII Wood Memorial S. at Aqueduct Apr. 7. Solomini had a ground-saving trip and came through a narrow opening on the inside to edge Combatant (Scat Daddy) for place honors in the Rebel.
“Solomini came out of his race perfect,” Zayat tweeted. “Bob [Baffert] was happy with his race. We discussed with my dad [Ahmed Zayat that we would] either stay [at Santa Anita] or go to the Wood. Was an easy decision, we are New Yorkers!”
On the local front, Oaklawn-based Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas reported that Rebel fifth-place finisher Sporting Chance (Tiznow) also came out of the race in fine condition. The Grade I-winning 'Rising Star' attended the pace from the outside before flattening out in the lane and reporting home 5 3/4 lengths behind Magnum Moon.
“It's hard for me to handle that one because I thought I had him trained to the minute,” Lukas said. “I really felt like he would run a monster race, and he didn't. He flattened out a little bit. He had a decent trip. I was disappointed in him. I don't have a lot of explanations, but he did come back good.”
Lukas was right back to work Sunday morning, sending out GII Risen Star S. winner Bravazo (Awesome Again) to post a bullet five-furlong workout in :59.60 ahead of an expected start in the GII Louisiana Derby next Saturday.
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