Laurel tagged a 'Rising Star' after Kempton win

Kingman filly Laurel's dazzling display at Kempton yesterday saw the Thoroughbred Daily News label the three-year-old a 'Rising Star'.

Taken from the Thoroughbred Daily News, 22nd September 2022, by Tom Frary:

Carrying a penalty, having made a lasting impression when scoring on debut over this trip at Newmarket on 29th July, the John and Thady Gosden-trained daughter of the Gr.1 Pretty Polly Stakes heroine was anchored in mid-pack early hemmed on the rail by a confident Benoit De La Sayette.

Despite the slow pace throughout, the 1-2 favourite was able to surge from a position that would have compromised lesser mortals and swamp the well-regarded Pure Dignity approaching the furlong marker. Powering clear from there, the homebred registered a two-length verdict over that fellow Newmarket debut winner and €2.5 million Arqana Deauville September Sale topper who is a half-sister to Sottsass, Sistercharlie and My Sister Nat. Another Newmarket scorer, Lady Bamford's One Morning, gave the result a solid feel a further one and a half lengths away in third.

"They didn't go a strong pace, I got a lovely lead and she got to the line strongly and gave me an amazing feel," the winning rider said. Thady Gosden was on hand and added:  "She picked up very well and had come on from Newmarket. She has plenty of size and has taken time to mature into her frame. She showed plenty of speed there and there is no reason to step her up immediately. We'll see how she is and make a plan."

Laurel, who becomes a remarkable 29th TDN Rising Star for her sire, is the eighth foal out of Promising Lead who also captured the Gr.3 Middleton Stakes and was second in the Gr.1 Prix de l'Opera alongside her Curragh career-best.