Sparkling MSW score earns Authentic colt a ‘TDN Rising Star’
January 4, 2025
Authentic’s first winner of the new year Rodriguez was named a ‘TDN Rising Star’ following his eye-catching victory in a one-mile maiden special weight race at Santa Anita Park on Jan. 4
The 3-year-old dark bay was simply too good for his competition at every point of call. He broke well and established short lead while going along in hand through five furlongs. He began to distance himself from the field midway on the final bend and was all alone in the stretch, winning by seven lengths under a hand ride.
His final time of 1:35.91 earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 93, just one tick behind Barnes’ number earned later in the day in the San Vicente S. (G2).
Owned by SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables LLC, Stonestreet Stables LLC, Dianne Bashor, Determined Stables, Robert E. Masterson, Tom J. Ryan, Waves Edge Capital LLC and Catherine Donovan, Rodriguez sold for $485,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling sale. He was bred by Kingswood Farm and David Egan and hails from the family of Grade 1 winners Daredevil and Albertus Maximus.
Rodriguez is the first Rising Star for Authentic, who wrapped up 2024 with 24 First-Crop winners. Authentic is standing the 2025 season for $25,000 live foal.