TDN RISING STARS

August 1, 2010 - Del Mar, Race 1, Msw, USD $50,000, 6f

Avid, f, 2, 2008 by More Than Ready

1st Dam: Valid Carnauba, by Valid Appeal
2nd Dam: Carnauba, by Noholme II
3rd Dam: Carnival Queen, by Amerigo

Owner: Ramona Bass
Breeder: Gulf Coast Farms LLC (KY)
Trainer: Richard E Mandella

Avid was, as a $525,000 juvenile, the top-priced horse at the this year's OBS March Sale (click for TDN coverage). The crowd's even-money pick sped to the front under Rafael Bejarano, was up by two lengths after a half in :45.76, and was kept to task in the final eighth to register the 2 1/4-length tally. Righteous Renee (Dixie Union) was second best. The chestnut was bred by the same operation that bred yesterday's GI Haskell S. winner Lookin at Lucky (Smart Strike), and was bought by agent Steve Young, who also bought Haskell runner-up Trappe Shot (Tapit). Avid is a half-sister to Star Dabbler (Saint Ballado), GSW & GISP, $319,936; Bay Head King (Saint Ballado), MSP, $210,713; and Run Production (Saint Ballado), SW. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $30,000.