Jack Christopher A TDN Rising Star for Munnings

Jack Christopher (2c Munnings x Rushin No Blushin, by Half Ours) had been giving signs in his works that he has talent and on Saturday proved it with a 8 ¾ length romp in a Saratoga Maiden Special Weight to earn TDN Rising Star honors.

Jack Christopher broke sharply in the six furlong race and after a brief battle, conceded the lead by less than a length. He made another move on that runner to enter the stretch head-to-head with the longtime leader before taking off from there.

Jack Christopher opened up his margin with every stride to cross the line 8 ¾ lengths in front of the second place finisher and 10 lengths ahead of the third placed runner.

“We're not one to really tighten the screws on these horses first time out, particularly dirt horses, but this horse just took us there,” trainer Chad Brown told Saratoga Live. “I'm so proud of him–especially mentally. The talent was always there, but when they come together mentally right before the debut and show their class, it's a relief for a trainer.”

Trained by Brown for Jim Bakke and Gerald Isbister, Jack Christopher was bred by Castleton Lyons and Kilboy Estate in Kentucky.

Jack Christopher is one of two winners from three to race out of Rushin No Blushin. A daughter of stakes-placed Blushing Ogygian, Rushin No Blushin is a half-sister to dual Grade I winner Street Boss and a three-quarter sister to multiple Grade II-placed Habiboo, who is the dam of Grade III winners Bellera and Life Imitates Art. The family also includes champion Furhlingshochzeit.

Rushin No Blushin has a Mo Town yearling filly and returned to Munnings last year.