Upstart’s Fondly Signs Off On Debut Score At Tampa Downs

FONDLY (f, 3, Upstart–Lifetime Memory, by Istan), who made her debut with Lasix and as a 7-1 shot here, tracked just behind the leaders from the rail up the backstretch. The filly looked like a loaded pistol heading into the far turn, but she nearly clipped the heels of pacesetter Sunset Express (Khozan), which forced her to steady. Unwilling to sign off, Fondly spun to the three path for the drive down the lane, collared the frontrunners at the eighth pole as she found her best stride en route to a four-length cap and gown ceremony. Fellow first-time starter Crawford (McKinzie) was the runner-up. The ‘Insighted’ Meursault (Tapit) was third and Smoothly (Nyquist) finished sixth. The winner is a half-sister to Antiquarian (Preservationist), GSW, $233,000, who was purchased for $250,000 during the 2022 Keeneland September Sale by Centennial Farms. Lifetime Memory is responsible for a 2-year-old colt named Final War (Divisidero) and a yearling colt by Happy Saver last year. She visited Mage for this term. Fondly’s second dam, GSW Silver Reunion (Harlan’s Holiday), produced SW Proud Reunion (Proud Citizen) and GSW Speaktomeofsummer (Summer Front). Sales History: $50,000 Ylg ’23 FTKOCT. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $19,200. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners; B-Brereton C. Jones (KY); T-H. Graham Motion.