Facing down a heavy favorite, Disruptor (Gun Runner–Margate Gardens, by Speightstown) was very tough down the lane in the GIII Michelob Ultra Challenger Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday.Named a 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', at second asking a little over a year ago, Disruptor came into this spot as the 5-2 second choice behind chalk Disco Time (Not This Time).At the bell, Disruptor took the lead, but a massive longshot worked his way to become the pacesetter. The Todd Pletcher trainee earned the front by the far turn, but was taken on by Disco Time.The favorite looked to be in control, but Disruptor began to rally and in the end took home his first higher level score.The final running time was 1:41.40.Lifetime Record: 5-3-0-1. Sales History: KEESEP '23 $1.15-million.O-Repole Stable, Spendthrift Farm LLC, Big Easy Racing LLC, Titletown Racing LLC, Winners Win, Golconda Stable, Goodrich, Ali and Parkinson, Mark; B-Runnymede Farm, LLC & Peter J. Callahan (KY); T-Todd Pletcher. #1 DISRUPTOR ($7.60) fought off Disco Time in the $125,000 Challenger Stakes (G3) at @TampaBayDownsFL! @Iradortiz piloted the Gun Runner (@Three_Chimneys) colt for trainer @PletcherRacing. @repolestable @spendthriftfarm pic.twitter.com/pUxDMugxuF— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 7, 2026The post ‘TDN Rising Star’ Disruptor Made Of Stern Stuff In GIII Challenger Stakes At Tampa appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.