Vekoma Colt Bottas ‘Races’ To ‘TDN Rising Star’ Honors With Last-To-First Dash

[Wandering Eyes]

Backed into 2.45-1 favoritism for his career debut in the Saratoga lid-lifter on Travers Day, Dahman's BOTTAS (c, 2, Vekoma–Iadorakid, by Lemon Drop Kid) became the second 'TDN Rising Star' for his dam as he was ridden quietly from the back of a six-horse field by Flavien Prat and exploded through the final furlong and a half to defeat the well-meant Franklin Delano (Liam's Map) by 2 1/4 comfortable lengths in solid time.

A $300,000 OBS April breezer (see below), the dark bay–a 7-2 chance on the morning line and bet down–was taken in hand right from the break by Flavien Prat and was put to sleep at the tail, as Ambassador Blue (Charlatan) railed through inside of a wayward Amador (Constitution), as Franklin Delano took the 'worst' of it into the turn before angling back down to the inside. Ambassador Blue was by the half-mile in a moderate :47.43, and all the while, Bottas traveled smoothly from behind, waiting for his cue.

Prat had a fistful of horse on the turn and when he asked Bottas to sprint in upper stretch once produced off the heels of the debuting Quiet Power (Tapit), he accelerated sharply, confronted Franklin Delano inside the final furlong and shot clear despite racing on his incorrect lead through the line. Franklin Delano held for second.

Bottas joins the undefeated Parenting (Justify), a $750,000 OBS April grad and winner of the 2024 Affirmed Stakes, as 'Rising Stars' out of Iadorakid.

Sales history: $300,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $55,000. O-Dahman; B-BCS Thoroughbreds (KY); T-Miguel Clement

 

Bottas is a last-to-first winner on debut in the opener at Saratoga! @clementstable trains the son of Vekoma and Flavien Prat was in the saddle. pic.twitter.com/tEc636K1HC

— TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 23, 2025

 

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