Malibu Moon filly rolls in TDN ‘Rising Star’ performance

Harper’s in Charge glides to victory at Aqueduct – Chelsea Durand/NYRA photo

Regally-bred Harper’s in Charge was scintillating in her unveiling Sunday afternoon at Aqueduct, bounding to a 6 ½-length maiden special weight victory to earn the coveted TDN ‘Rising Star’ tag.

The 2-year-old daughter of Malibu Moon was in control from the outset, leading by a length after a quarter-mile in :22.83. Up by two lengths at the top of the stretch, Harper’s in Charge drew away from the field under her own power and was eased up in the final sixteenth when the outcome was assured.

Harper’s in Charge is owned by Cheyenne Stables, who purchased her for $220,000 out of the 2019 Keeneland September Yearling sale. Bred by Bridlewood Farm, she is the first foal to race out of Azara, who is a half-sister to two-time champion grass mare Tepin and Into Mischief’s multiple graded stakes winning millionaire Vyjack.

Perennial leading sire Malibu Moon now has 19 career TDN Rising Stars, including Magnum Moon and Carina Mia, both who would go on to be millionaires. Malibu Moon is standing the 2021 season at Spendthrift for $35,000 S&N.