Godolphin‘s Ragtime Earns ‘TDN Rising Star’ Status With Impressive Saratoga Debut
Godolphin homebred Ragtime delivered a statement-making debut at Saratoga on Friday, rallying past heavy favorite Endorse in the final furlong to capture a maiden special weight by 3 3/4 lengths and earn ‘TDN Rising Star’ designation.
The 3-year-old filly by Union Rags went off at odds just north of 9-1 for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, known for his patient approach with first-time starters.
Junior Alvarado guided Ragtime from the rail position, settling her just ahead of midfield behind the leading quartet through the early stages. The rider kept her under a tight hold around the turn as 4-5 favorite Endorse (Curlin) seized command with about 2 1/2 furlongs remaining.
Ragtime found another gear approaching the eighth pole, powering past the Repole runner with authority and drawing clear while covering the final eighth in an impressive :12.34 seconds.
The well-bred filly completed seven furlongs in 1:23.24 on a fast track.
Filly Freedom (Constitution), a 27-1 longshot, rallied for second, while favored Endorse had to settle for third. Lost Horizon (Into Mischief), making her debut for trainer Chad Brown, finished fourth, 4 1/2 lengths behind the top three.
Ragtime’s dam Burmilla, a full-sister to 1999 GII Schulyerville Stakes and GII Landaluce Stakes winner Magicalmysterycat, was purchased by John Ferguson for Godolphin for $850,000 at the 2004 Keeneland September Sale. The Storm Cat mare counted the 2007 GII Honorable Miss Stakes at Saratoga among her four career victories.
Burmilla has now produced five winners from nine foals to race, including 2014 GIII Comely Stakes winner Snowbell (Tapit), who earned $373,490 and later produced stakes winner Twice As Sweet (Candy Ride).
The mare’s most recent listed produce is a yearling filly by G1 Dubai World Cup winner and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Mystic Guide.
Ragtime returned $20.40 to win.
2nd-Saratoga, $100,000, Msw, 6-6, 3yo/up, f/m, 7f, 1:23.24, ft, 3 3/4 lengths.
RAGTIME, f, 3, by Union Rags
1st Dam: Burmilla (GSW, $170,285), by Storm Cat
2nd Dam: Nannerl, by Valid Appeal
3rd Dam: Allouette, by Proud Birdie
Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $55,000.
O-Godolphin LLC; B-Godolphin (KY); T-William I Mott.
👀 EYE CATCHING DEBUT ⭐
Ragtime ($20.40) shines with a stunning debut performance under jockey @JuniorandKellyA for Hall of Fame & KY Derby winning trainer Bill Mott for owner @godolphin versus MSW company. 🎪 pic.twitter.com/EsinZyvWd5
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires)
👀 EYE CATCHING DEBUT ⭐
Ragtime ($20.40) shines with a stunning debut performance under jockey June 6, 2025
