E Five Racing Thoroughbreds and Mike Ryan's Valid Point (c, 3, Scat Daddy–Goldbud, by Buddha) took his record to two-for-two at Belmont Friday to become one of a trio of 'TDN Rising Stars' on the day amidst a flurry of them in recent weeks. A debut winner going a mile at Gulfstream Feb. 10, the $140,000 KEESEP buy was given a 7-5 chance to repeat in this first try against winners. Stalking from second early as Jerome Avenue (Speightstown) clocked splits of :24.26 and :48.17, the bay looked like could have the leader whenever he wanted him and blew by that foe in the stretch, rolling clear to a seemingly effortless 3 1/2-length score. James W. Murpy S. third Shootin the Breeze (Hard Spun) got up for second. Jerome Avenue was fourth. Valid Point had been flattered when the runner-up from his debut Bar Harbor (Orb) came back to score impressively at Keeneland in April and fourth finisher Hardredcandy (Hard Spun) scored at Pimlico in May. Two more also-rans returned to finish good seconds next out.
Valid Point is the 16th 'Rising Star' for the late, great Scat Daddy, who earned the publication's distinction himself. His dam, a half to GISW Santa Teresita (Lemon Drop Kid), has a yearling filly by Orb and a filly foal by Connect.
3rd-Belmont, $89,240, Alw (NW1$X)/Opt. Clm ($80,000), 6-7, 3yo, 1mT, 1:33.09, fm.
VALID POINT, c, 3, Scat Daddy
1st Dam: Goldbud, by Buddha
2nd Dam: Sweet Gold, by Gilded Time
3rd Dam: Anti Social, by Pretense
Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $76,400. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
O-e Five Racing Thoroughbreds & Michael J. Ryan; B-Westwind Farms (KY); T-Chad C. Brown. *$140,000 Ylg '17 KEESEP.
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