Upstart now becomes another arrow in WinStar’s Derby quiver, after multiple
There was also breaking news regarding Carpe Diem later Monday: trainer Todd
Elliott Walden, WinStar President & CEO, commented on the farm’s interest in
“Upstart has been on our radar since the Breeders’ Cup,” Walden said. “Jerry Brown of Thoro-Graph approached me because he
Trainer Rick Violette, Jr. will remain as the conditioner of Upstart, who
“When Elliott called, I became excited about what we could do together with
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As a two-year-old, Upstart began his career with an impressive 5 1/4-length
debut win last August at Saratoga, and the talented colt returned just nine days
later to also capture Saratoga’s $200,000 Funny Cide S. with a 106 Brisnet Speed
rating. Upstart turned in a good runner-up performance behind Daredevil (More
Than Ready) in the prestigious Champagne S. (G1) at Belmont in his next start,
earning a trip to the Breeders’ Cup as one of the favorites for the $2 million
Juvenile (G1).
The dark bay overcame some trouble before finishing third behind Texas Red (Afleet
Alex) and Carpe Diem in the Breeders’ Cup, closing out a two-year-old campaign
with a record of 2-1-1 from four starts and earnings of $463,800. Wintering in
Florida, Upstart began a promising three-year-old campaign in January in
Gulfstream’s Holy Bull S. (G2), drawing off in the stretch to a 5 1/2-length
victory over Frosted and earning a 105 BRIS Speed rating in the 1 1/16-mile
event. The win stamped him as one of the leading three-year-olds in the country.
Upstart crossed the line first in his next start in Gulfstream’s Fountain of
Youth in February, but was disqualified after a controversial inquiry and placed
second. He returned as the favorite in the $1 million Florida Derby last month
and finished a valiant second to Materiality in his final prep for
the Kentucky Derby.
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