‘Mission’ Accomplished: ‘Rising Star’ Returns Victoriously in Lexington

[Wandering Eyes]

Making his first start since winning this track's GIII Lexington S. during the April meeting, 'TDN Rising Star' FIRST MISSION (c, 3, Street Sense–Elude, by Medaglia d'Oro) validated 2-5 favoritism–if only just–to give Godolphin a sweep of the late Daily Double. Off alertly from the inside stall, the homebred allowed himself to be taken back to sit in the second flight of horses behind a pace that was slow to materialize. Up into third entering the far turn following a half-mile that was clocked in just :49.73, First Mission came under a Luis Saez ride with 2 1/2 furlongs to race, but was scrubbed on vigorously to pick up the bridle. Short of running room in upper stretch behind a wall of four horses, First Mission was forced to come across the heels of several rivals to find daylight five off the rail with time ticking away and kicked home gamely to prevail. After besting future GI Woody Stephens S. hero Arabian Lion (Justify) in the Lexington, First Mission was being pointed to a start in the GI Preakness S., but a left hind issue forced his withdrawal 36 hours prior to the race. Lifetime Record: 4-3-1-0. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Brad Cox.

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