Strong State

She didn't have the greatest of beginnings, but 'TDN Rising Star' Ragtime (Union Rags) was flying late to nail the top flight and take home the hardware in the GIII Dogwood Stakes. Racing without blinkers here, Ragtime broke a touch awkwardly and it left her with a lot to do as she found herself at the back of the field as a result. 'TDN Rising Star' Delightful Claire (Vekoma) stepped out to dictate the pace through an opening quarter in :22.84 and a half in :45.55, and was well clear...

6th-Saratoga, $80,000, Msw, 7-11, 2yo, f, 5 1/2f, 1:04.53, ft, neck. STRONG STATE (f, 2, Tom's d'Etat--Kram {SW, $189,697}, by Colonel John), the even-money favorite, became the second winner for her freshman sire (by Smart Strike) with a neck victory at Saratoga Thursday. The bay filly was hustled out to the early lead and was pressed by Selectively Sweet (Vekoma) through a quarter in :22.58. She put that longshot away as the half went up in :46.31, but was soon joined by Will Not Be Swayed (War of Will). That...