June 29, 2025 - Churchill Downs, Race 4, USD $122,025, 6f, Maiden Special Weight
Dam: Sunnysammi , by First Defence
Owner: Late Night Stables LLC
Breeder: Nicky Drion Thoroughbreds, Macha Bloodstock & Stephanie Poole (KY)
Trainer: Tom Amoss
Aptly named and performing to expectations, Dazzle d'Oro (Bolt d'Oro-Sunnysammi, by First Defence) ran his rivals off their feet in this scorching Churchill Downs unveiling, and earned 'TDN Rising Star' honors in the process.
Bet down to 9-5 favoritism on the back of a series of good works both at this venue and at Keeneland, the Tom Amoss-trainee broke from the gates like a rocket and wasted no time speeding to the lead through an opening quarter in :21.33 and a half in :44.47 as he cruised through the turn. Under a supremely confident ride from Jose Ortiz, even as Blackout Time (Not This Time) tried to make a race of it in upper stretch, Dazzle d'Oro kicked away from his would-be challengers to win by three lengths.
The final time was 1:08.65 for six panels. The Bashford Manor Stakes run two races after him was won in 1:08.61 by Romeo (Honor A.P.) in stakes record time.
With the victory, Jose Ortiz–who also claimed the leading jockey title at Churchill Downs for the spring meet–enjoyed a riding double early on the card.
“He was a great looking foal from birth all the way up until we sold him at Keeneland November,” said co-breeder Nicky Drion. “I sold him as a weanling, so I didn't have him very long, but with me he was straightforward.”
His trainer always thought highly of his colt, too.
“I knew that he was talented, and that field was loaded,” said Amoss. “I turned to the owners as the horses were going in the gate and said 'let's get a good break and have a fair fight' and he broke well. When [Dazzle d'Oro] made the lead, I turned to them and said 'he has no excuses.'.”
“On a side note, I came to Churchill Downs in the early 90's and Lynn Whiting [who trained GI Kentucky Derby winner Lil E. Tee] was a mentor. He told me once 'if you ever have one go to gate at Churchill Downs, and worked under a minute from the gate, you have a runner. Lynn's words held true.”
Amoss continued, “We are excited for his future and we plan on taking him to Saratoga for the summer-the Saratoga Special would be under consideration.”
Dazzle d'Oro, who was purchased by Lauren Carlisle at the Keeneland September Sale last season, is the second winner for his dam, who also produced an unraced 3-year-old full-sister named Propaganda. Sunnysammi has a yearling filly by Speaker's Corner and a 2025 colt by Army Mule to her credit. The mare is a daughter of In Awe, the half-sister to SW Mystic Soul (Bahri)-dam of SW & MGSP Encryption (Exchange Rate), and to Mystic Chant (Unbridled's Song). The latter sister claimed GISW Voodoo Song (English Channel) as her most accomplished son.
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