Magic Dance (f, 2, More Than Ready–Magical World, by Distorted Humor) didn't garner much attention in the wagering to be let go at 8-1 in Friday's Churchill opener, but she hogged the spotlight in the stretch to follow in big sis Guarana (Ghostzapper)'s hoofsteps and earn the 'TDN Rising Star' nod. Perched three deep off a :22.60 opening quarter after breaking well from the widest of five stalls, she ranged up to challenge heavily bet fellow firster Josie (Race Day) in upper stretch and pulled clear of that rival with ease at the eighth pole en route to a promising 4 3/4-length score in :57.70. Josie held second.
The aforementioned Guarana aired by 14 3/4 lengths in the Keeneland slop Apr. 19 for Three Chimneys and Chad Brown, earning a 93 Beyer Speed Figure in the process. She is favored over GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Serengeti Empress (Alternation) at 2-1 on the morning line for the GI Acorn S. at Belmont Saturday.
Dam Magical World was campaigned by her breeder Phipps Stable and trainer Shug McGaughey. She just missed in her dirt sprint debut in March of her sophomore season and broke through routing on the Gulfstream grass the following January. Magical World is a daughter of none other than GI Breeders' Cup Distaff heroine Pleasant Home (Seeking the World)–this is the hugely potent Phipps family of the likes of Grade I winners Sky Beauty, Point of Entry, Pine Island, et al. Magical World produced a Pioneerof the Nile colt in 2018 but was barren when bred back to Into Mischief.
Conditioner Steve Asmussen has now sent out a More Than Ready juvenile to be named a 'Rising Star' during each of the last three Churchill spring meets–GIII Bashford Manor S. hero Sir Truebadour got the nod last year and eventual GII Saratoga Special S. victor Copper Bullet impressed at second asking in 2017.
1st-Churchill Downs, $89,712, Msw, 6-7, 2yo, f, 5f, :57.70, ft.
MAGIC DANCE, f, 2, More Than Ready
1st Dam: Magical World, by Distorted Humor
2nd Dam: Pleasant Home, by Seeking the Gold
3rd Dam: Our Country Place, by Pleasant Colony
Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $54,848. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
O/B-Three Chimneys Farm, LLC (KY); T-Steven M. Asmussen.
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