It was a second Thoroughbred Daily News ‘Rising Star’ in a week for Zedan Racing on Sunday when BUETANE lived up to his billing with a Del Mar debut victory.

A $1.15 million purchase for Zedan, BUETANE was quickly out of the gates in the six furlong dirt race under Juan Hernandez’s handling. The colt shadowed another runner early before making his move in the turn and the race was all but over.

Dueling with Cactus Charlie around the turn, BUETANE got the best of him by the top of the stretch and was urged to pull away by Hernandez from there. Given one last reminder entering the final furlong, BUETANE was allowed to pick his pace and pulled away to a 3 ½ length victory with the third placed finisher 10 ¾ lengths adrift at the line.

BUETANE was at the top of the list for Zedan at the OBS Spring 2-Year-Olds In Training Sale this year and was purchased for $1.15 million as the sixth most expensive of that sale.

Trained by Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert, BUETANE is a half-brother to stakes winner Let My People Go and the stakes placed duo of Der Lu and Smartly Agree. He builds on his dam’s legacy as one of eight winners from 11 to race out of winning Forestry mare Taboo.

It’s no surprise Taboo has become a successful broodmare as a daughter of Grade 1 winner Dream of Summer. A millionaire on the track with 10 wins in 20 starts including six stakes wins, Dream Of Summer also produced Grade 1 winners Creative Cause and Vexatious and Grade 2 winner and Belmont Stakes (G1) runner-up Destin.

‘Rising Star’ honors have often led to outstanding success for Zedan Racing runners, with those given the title including Grade 1 winners TAIBA, ARABIAN KNIGHT, MUTH, ARABIAN LION, and PRINCESS NOOR.

Buetane turns up the heat. 🎙️

The Baffert colt makes an impressive debut under @JJHernandezS19. pic.twitter.com/gVRDxlfnLt

— Del Mar Racetrack (@DelMarRacing) August 3, 2025