Second Chances: ‘I Think He’s Got Stakes Potential’ – Igniter Exits Key Maiden at the Spa

[Wandering Eyes]

In this continuing series, TDN's Senior Racing Editor Steve Sherack catches up with the connections of promising maidens to keep on your radar.

Igniter (c, 2, Volatile)'s wide-trip, third-place finish behind 'TDN Rising Star' Golden Tornado (McKinzie) in a live maiden special weight at the Spa Aug. 9 on debut continues to look better every day.

The runner-up Oscar's Hope (Twirling Candy) returned with a 'TDN Rising Star' performance on Saratoga's closing day program Sept. 1. Golden Tornado, meanwhile, is being aimed at the GI Champagne S. at Aqueduct Oct. 4.

Overlooked at odds of 26-1 for trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr., Igniter raced on the outside in sixth as Oscar's Hope and Golden Tornado were one-two through an opening quarter in :22.76.

The Three Chimneys Farm homebred was on the move while at least four wide and advanced into third approaching the quarter pole as the top two began to get away from the field of eight.

Golden Tornado took over in deep stretch and powered clear impressively to graduate by 3 1/4 lengths, stopping the timer for six furlongs in 1:10.87.

Igniter continued on nicely down the stretch and finished with interest in a field-best :12.82, crossing the wire 4 3/4 lengths adrift the winner. He earned a 75 Beyer Speed Figure for the effort.

Golden Tornado breaks his maiden at first asking in R6 at Saratoga under @jrosariojockey for trainer Danny Gargan! pic.twitter.com/kCfHKBXm0v

— TwinSpires Racing (@TwinSpires) August 9, 2025

“I think he's got stakes potential for sure,” said Chief Stipe Cauthen, Vice Chairman of Three Chimneys Farm. “His race was good and I don't think he was cranked up that much, either.”

Cauthen continued, “He was always a nice foal, weanling, yearling, etc. The folks at Three Chimneys–all the managers and staff–liked him, which is always a good sign. He went to the (Keeneland September) sale and just didn't really find a lot of love. He was a good-looking horse and people liked him, but he only had one vetting. He was a scratch just because there wasn't enough interest along with the fact that everybody (at the farm) did like him a lot, top to bottom.”

Igniter hails from the second crop of Three Chimneys Farm sophomore sire Volatile. He was produced by Edward P. Evans homebred Malibu Prayer (Malibu Moon), winner of the 2010 GI Ruffian Invitational H. Malibu Prayer brought $2 million from Besilu Stables at the Evans dispersal at the 2011 Keeneland November Sale. She was subsequently purchased privately by Three Chimneys.

“The whole package from Besilu was purchased by Three Chimneys–it was like 60 horses and that mare was in it,” Cauthen said. “Volatile improves his mares. He added some speed and Igniter is a nice, big colt.”

He continued, “I'd say that was the best foal that mare has ever thrown. Cartucho (Gun Runner) was also very nice. And obviously sold for a lot ($1.2 million KEESEP yearling) and was a 'Rising Star.'”

Igniter (outside, blue cap & white bridle) finished third behind 'Rising Star' Golden Tornado on debut at the Spa | Sarah Andrew

Igniter has breezed three times since his unveiling, including a four-furlong move in :48.21 (9/75) over the Belmont Park training track Sept. 4. The chestnut could potentially make his next start in a maiden special weight at Aqueduct later this month.

“I think there's a lot of upside with that horse,” Cauthen said.

Since launching 'Second Chances' in 2017, 64 maidens have been featured in these pages (through 2024), producing 25% graded stakes winners, 34% stakes winners and 48% stakes horses.

The series has introduced eight future winners at the top level, led by this year's GI Kentucky Derby, GI Belmont Stakes and GI Travers S. winner Sovereignty (Into Mischief), 2023 Horse of the Year Cody's Wish (Curlin) and fellow two-time Breeders' Cup winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo).

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