Magnum Moon Green, but Dominant in Arkansas Derby

[Wandering Eyes]

MAGNUM MOON (c, 3, Malibu Moon–Dazzling Song, by Unbridled’s Song), the undefeated ‘TDN Rising Star,’ proved himself a big threat in the GI Kentucky Derby in three weeks with a powerhouse performance in the GI Arkansas Derby, running away in the stretch of the $1-million race despite drifting well out. A first-out winner Jan. 13 at Gulfstream, the $380,000 Keeneland September buy earned his Rising Star badge with a capital-E easy two-turn allowance score Feb. 15 at Tampa. Shipping to Hot Springs for his stakes debut, the bay made short work of the GII Rebel S. and came back in the meet feature as the 4-5 favorite. Away well, Magnum Moon took instant pressure from Quip (Distorted Humor) to his outside through a quick :23.34 quarter. Luis Saez backed down the pace aboard the favorite up the backstretch to the took of :48.60 and still had a handful of horse midway around the far turn. Challengers stacked up two to four deep nearing the top of the lane, but Magnum Moon cut the corner with plenty in reserve and burst clear past the three-sixteenths marker. From there, his only foe was his own immaturity, as he steadily bore out into the center of the track, but it was no matter as he sailed past the wire 4 1/2 lengths to the good in 1:49.86. Quip managed to hold for the place ahead of second choice Solomini (Curlin). Lifetime Record: 4-4-0-0, $1,177,800. O-Robert E. & Lawana L. Low; B-Ramona S. Bass LLC (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher.

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