Godolphin homebred Emboldened (3, f, Elusive Quality–Al Andaleeb, by Bernardini) was bet heavily throughout and did not disappoint as she graduated with ease to become the newest 'TDN Rising Star' Friday at Santa Anita. Emboldened had been preparing at Santa Anita since the end of November and entered Friday off consecutive bullet works, including the latest on Jan 1. when she went five furlongs in :59 3/5 (1/34).
The 4-5 favorite broke sharply and was quickly guided to the front through a swift opening quarter in :21.99. She continued under a hand ride along the rail on the far turn before kicking in another gear without even being asked by Joe Talamo and put away the challenge of Mojgan (Flatter) before storming away for an impressive five-length score.
This is the second winner out of Al Andaleeb, who's dam was 1997 Champion 3-Year-Old Ajina (Strawberry Road) and winner of that year's GI Breeders' Cup Distaff. Ajina is also a half to MGSW Rob's Spirit (Theatrical {Ire}) Emboldened'sthird dam, GSW Winglet (Alydar), produced the mother of MGISW and top sire Quality Road, who is also by Elusive Quality.
Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0; O/B- Godolphin Stable; T-Bob Baffert
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
