TDN RISING STARS

December 17, 2016 - Gulfstream Park, Race 6, Msw, USD $42,000, 1M

Faja, c, 2, 2014 by Bodemeister

1st Dam: Salty Romance (SW & GSP, $229,200), by Salt Lake
2nd Dam: Checkerspot, by Affirmed
3rd Dam: One Fine Lady, by Tri Jet

Owner: Harrell Ventures, LLC
Breeder: Blue Devil Racing Stable, LLC (KY)
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher

Faja debuted a romping winner over a Gulfstream mile to become the newest ‘TDN Rising Star’. Coming in with a steady Palm Beach Downs worktab, including a bullet from the gate there in :49 2/5 (1/6) Dec. 5, the dark bay broke inwardly at 69-10, but quickly recovered to sit third past a :22.95 quarter. Moving to attack the longshot pacesetter heading into the bend, Faja drew to within a neck of the front past a :45.63 half and took charge at the top of the lane. Challenged by eventual runner-up Truly a Moon Shot (Yes It’s True), Faja turned that one aside with ease by the three-sixteenths pole and exploded clear impressively in the final furlong to score by 8 3/4 lengths. The winner, the 14th for his freshman sire (by Empire Maker), is a half to fellow Rising Star Agave Kiss (Lion Heart), GSW & GISP, $339,400. His dam, a stakes-winning juvenile, is responsible for a yearling colt by Tiznow and foaled a Distorted Humor colt this season before visiting Honor Code. Sales History: $135,000 RNA Ylg ’15 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $21,600.