By Christie DeBernardis
Robert LaPenta's So Alive (Super Saver) appeared to be struggling with the muddy surface at Keeneland most of the way around, but he came alive late to register a 'TDN Rising Star'-worthy victory Saturday. A half-brother to GII Wood Memorial S.-winning stablemate Vino Rosso (Curlin), $842,500, the juvenile was hammered down to 3-2 favoritism for this career bow for trainer Todd Pletcher, who has been on fire at the Keeneland fall meet. A bit slow to get going, the bay saved ground near the back of the pack as the runaway leaders zipped through a first quarter in :22.22 and a half in :45.97. The $160,000 KEESEP buy appeared to be spinning his wheels at the top of the stretch, but suddenly kicked it into high gear in the final furlong, weaving between rivals late to get up just in time for a neck success. Tapizars Secret (Tapizar) completed the exacta.
Breeder John Gunther bought Mythical Bride for just $42,000 at the 2011 Keeneland November Sale and she has been quite productive for his operation. Her second foal Vino Rosso was a $410,000 yearling and was a contender on this year's Triple Crown trail. His part owner Mike Repole bought Mythical Bride's yearling colt by Pioneerof the Nile for $350,000 at KEENOV last term and resold him to Coolmore for $575,000 at this year's KEESEP sale. The 10-year-old mare produced an Uncle Mo colt Apr. 30 of this year and was bred back to Curlin. Mythical Bride is a half-sister to MSW & GSP Flaming Heart (Touch Gold), who is the dam of MGSW & GISP WinStar sire Commissioner (A.P. Indy) and GSW & GISP Laugh Track (Distorted Humor).
5th-Keeneland, $65,582, Msw, 10-27, 2yo, 6f, 1:11.21, my.
SO ALIVE, c, 2, Super Saver
1st Dam: Mythical Bride, by Street Cry (Ire)
2nd Dam: Flaming Heart, by Touch Gold
3rd Dam: Hot Lear, by Lear Fan
Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $40,200. Click for the Equibase.com chart, the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree or VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-Robert V. LaPenta; B-John D. Gunther (KY); T-Todd Pletcher.
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