Obliteration Earns ‘TDN Rising Star’ Status With Impressive Churchill Debut
Churchill Downs witnessed the emergence of a potential star on Wednesday as Obliteration delivered a commanding 7 1/2-length victory in his racing debut, earning coveted ‘TDN Rising Star’ designation.
The 2-year-old Violence colt, trained by Steve Asmussen, demolished a promising field of juveniles while completing 5 1/2 furlongs in a swift 1:03.32.
Sent off at odds of 10-1, Obliteration showed tactical versatility under jockey Erik Asmussen. After briefly holding the early lead, the bay colt settled into second position behind 8-5 favorite She’s On A Roll (Charlatan) before reasserting himself approaching the quarter pole.
Obliteration seized command with authority at the top of the stretch and drew off impressively through the final furlong.
The victory marks a successful racing debut for one of Leland Ackerley’s recent acquisitions. Ackerley, who has recently re-engaged in thoroughbred ownership, purchased Obliteration for $200,000 at this year’s OBS March Sale — one of four horses acquired by the owner at that auction.
The colt’s dam, I’mclassyandsassy (by Master Command), has proven to be an exceptional producer with eight winners from nine foals to race. Her offspring include stakes winners Pure Class ($265,313), Sassy Beast ($297,110), and Grade III-placed Big and Classy ($356,490).
Ocala Stud’s O’Farrell family purchased I’mclassyandsassy for $85,000 while carrying Obliteration at the 2022 Keeneland November Sale — an investment that paid immediate dividends when the resulting foal commanded more than double that amount at auction in March.
I’mclassyandsassy, herself stakes-placed as a juvenile, is a half-sister to stakes winner Fairway Road, dam of Grade III winner Just Grazed Me. The productive broodmare has a yearling filly by Girvin and delivered a colt by Elite Power on April 23.
The victory continues Steve Asmussen’s success with Violence’s offspring, having previously trained the stallion’s Grade I-winning son Volatile.
Obliteration romps on debut in R2 at @churchilldowns for trainer Steve Asmussen with Erik Asmussen aboard! 💪
🎥 TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/kfgfpFcdEY
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires)
Obliteration romps on debut in R2 at June 12, 2025
