International Star Shines in Grey Stakes Win
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International Star closed with a rush to overtake favored Conquest Titan approaching the wire for a 1 1/4-length victory in the $138,983 Grey Stakes (Can-III) , his first stakes win, Oct. 5 at Woodbine.
Sent off as the 5-2 second choice in a field of eight two-year-olds, the son of Fusaichi Pegasus broke through after finishing second with trouble in the With Anticipation Stakes (gr. IIT) on the turf at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 28.
Trainer Mike Maker shipped International Star to Woodbine from Churchill Downs for owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey. The winner was bred in New York by Katharine M. Voss and Robert T. Manfuso out of their multiple winning mare Parlez, by French Deputy.
With Rafael Hernandez riding him for the first time, International Star completed the 1 1/16-mile Polytrack test in 1:45.15. Conquest Typhoon, the 9-5 choice, nipped 24-1 shot Hollywood Critic by a nose for second.
After breaking well from the rail, International Star was taken off the pace by Hernandez as Imperial Dream took control of the tempo while pushed along by Conquest Typhoon and Crown Prince through fractions of :24.63, :49.01, and 1:113.52.
Given his cue by Patrick Husbands rounding the far turn, Conquest Titan glided up alongside Imperial Dream. He took over after straightening away for the drive and inching away to a two-length advantage as Hollywood Critic and Emma-Jayne Wilson pursued. International Star was racing on his own in fifth near midstretch but showed a powerful burst of acceleration when asked for more by Hernandez. He swept past his rivals under a strong hand ride and quickly drew off in the late stages.
"(International Star) broke well and then started laying back into the first turn. We saved ground all the way and turning for home, I decided to take him outside. Once we got clear he was rolling. I had plenty of horse," said Hernandez.
International Star was second to Startup Nation in the With Anticipation after being forced to check in upper stretch. He was also second in the Rockville Centre Stakes for New York-breds at six furlongs on the Belmont Park main track as the even-money choice July 13. That followed a debut win over maidens over the inner Belmont turf layout June 21 by 5 1/2 lengths. With his latest win, the bay colt has banked $190,028.
Patrice Miller/EQB, as agent, purchased International Star on behalf of the Ramseys for $85,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic 2013 Eastern fall yearling sale when consigned by Chanceland Farm.
International Star carried 115 pounds, seven fewer than Summer Stakes (Can-IIT) winner Conquest Typhoon. He paid $7.90, $3.80, and $3.10, combining with Conquest Typhoon for a chalky $24.40 exacta. The Conquest Stables' Stormy Atlantic colt returned $3.40 and $2.60 to place, while the maiden Hollywood Critic was worth $5.40 to show in a game effort.
Flashaway was fourth, followed by Crown Prince, George McFly, U S Marshal, and Imperial Dream.