9-1 shot International Star gave owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey and trainer Mike Maker their second consecutive victory in the $200,000 LeComte Stakes (gr. III) at Fair Grounds, rallying on the outside to win the one-mile and seventy-yard race by 2 1/2 lengths.
Ridden to victory by Miguel Mena, the New York-bred son of Fusaichi Pegasus got off to an excellent start and soon settled along the rail in sixth place, about five lengths off the early pace set by Runhappy, Hero of Humor, and Tiznow R J. The first-mentioned colt, making only his second start, was bumped and squeezed at the start, then was bumped several more times in traffic before rushing up to take the lead after a half-mile in a quick :47.07.
Moving around the final turn, Runhappy began to tire after his early exertions, and Tiznow R J moved up to take command after three-quarters of a mile in 1:13.35. He was then challenged on the outside by War Story, who made a four-wide bid around the final turn, and also Another Lemon Drop, who moved up along the rail to challenge under jockey Calvin Borel.
Entering the final furlong, War Story led by a head over Tiznow R J, but International Star had shifted to the outside after racing in behind horses and was rallying strongly. Coming down to the finish, International Star unleashed a strong finish, leaving his rivals behind to score in decisive fashion while stopping the clock in 1:43.62.
War Story narrowly edged Tiznow R J for second, while Another Lemon Drop completed the superfecta. Savoy Stomp and Hero of Humor were the next two finishers, while favored Eagle failed to fire after rallying into contention at the top of the stretch and faded to seventh. Dekabrist, Runhappy, Killingit, and Four Leaf Chief completed the order of finish.
For his victory, International Star earned 10 Kentucky Derby qualification points, bring his total to 21.
No comments:
Post a Comment