Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted January 30 Journalists Share Posted January 30 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. #5 BLUEBERRY HILL ($8.80) ran away with the sixth race at @GulfstreamPark. The three-year-old filly by @CoolmoreAmerica's Munnings broke her maiden under Jockey @iradortiz for trainer @PletcherRacing. pic.twitter.com/F0PNLHERmm — FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) January 30, 2025 6th-Gulfstream, $70,000, Msw, 1-30, 3yo, f, 7f, 1:23.25, ft, 5 3/4 lengths. BLUEBERRY HILL, f, 3, Munnings 1st Dam: Sloane Square {GSP}, by Giant's Causeway 2nd Dam: Marylebone, by Unbridled's Song 3rd Dam: Desert Queen, by Wavering Monarch Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $42,000. Click for the Equibase.com chart and VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree. O-Michael B. Tabor; B-Chelston (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. The post Blueberry Hill Sweet In Victory To Be Latest ‘TDN Rising Star’ For Munnings appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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