TDN RISING STARS

January 30, 2025 - Gulfstream Park, Race 6, Msw, USD $94,000, 7F

Blueberry Hill, F, 3, 2022 by Munnings

1st Dam: Sloane Square, by Giant's Causeway
2nd Dam: Marylebone, by Unbridled's Song
3rd Dam: Desert Queen, by Wavering Monarch

Owner: Michael B. Tabor
Breeder: Chelston (KY)
Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher

Shaking off a more experienced and favored rival at the top of the Gulfstream stretch, Blueberry Hill (Munnings) powered home in eye-catching fashion Thursday to become the latest 'TDN Rising Star' for Coolmore's Munnings.

The 3-1 second choice behind third-time starter Keepsake (Into Mischief), the Todd Pletcher trainee led from the jump but never got too comfortable up front as her rival stalked just off her hip through much of the running through fractions of :22.43 and :45.43. As the top pair opened up a gap back to the rest of the field off the turn, Blueberry Hill was set down for the stretch run by Irad Ortiz, Jr. and responded in kind, leaving Keepsake a far-back solo second to come home an easy, geared-down winner on debut by 5 3/4 lengths. Keepsake had to settle for second as the beaten favorite for a third-straight time while second-time starter and 6-1 shot Taratel (Candy Ride {Arg}) was a further four lengths back in a close finish for the show. The 3-year-old fillies completed the seven furlongs in 1:23.25.

The 15th 'Rising Star' for Munnings, who was named one himself in his 2008 Saratoga unveiling, Blueberry Hill is the third winner from four to race out of GIII Pure Romance Bourbonette runner up Sloane Square (Giant's Causeway) who last RNA'd for $375,000 at KEENOV in 2015. Out GI Matron Stakes winner Marylebone, herself a $725,000 KEEESEP yearling who raced for owner Michael Tabor and trainer Todd Pletcher, the mare is a full-sister to stakes winner Bow Bells and to the dam of MGSP Hug and a Kiss (Thewayyouare). She is also a half to the dam of Kent Stakes winner and GIII New Kent County Virginia Derby third Desvio (Yoshida {Jpn}). Sloane Square has a 2-year-old full-brother to Blueberry Hill and a yearling filly by Uncle Mo. She returned to Munnings for 2025.

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