Authentic colt scores by half-dozen, named TDN ‘Rising Star’

Verifire kicked clear of the field in the final furlong in his career debut March 15 at Colonial Downs to win the six-furlong maiden special weight race by a widening 6 ¼-lengths [WATCH RACE].

With a final time of 1:08.14 that was less than a half-second off the track record, Verifire was named a TDN ‘Rising Star’. He is the second to earn the designation for his sire. His first was Rodriguez, who has placed in both the Robert B. Lewis S. (G3) and San Felipe S. (G2) this year.

Verifire broke near the lead, then was allowed to settle a couple lengths off the pace. Jockey Flavien Prat took the chestnut colt three wide on the turn and struck the front turning for home. He was up two lengths with a furlong to go and stretched out impressively to win going away.

The winner was bred by Gainesway Thoroughbreds LTD and sold to his owner Resolute Bloodstoock for $1 million at the 2024 OBS March 2-year-old sale.

Authentic is off to a strong start in 2025 with his second crop of runners. In addition to Rodriguez, his three stakes horses include Innovator, who was third in the LeComte S. (G3) and is entered in Saturday’s Jeff Ruby S. (G3) at Turfway Park and Bracelet, who is set to run in the Bourbonette Oaks, also Saturday at Turfway.