International Star took the rail trip to the stretch, angled out and powered away in the LeComte Stakes to capture 10 Kentucky Derby Points and improve his total to 21 points on the Trail. This ties him with El Kabeir and staying sound, pretty much ensures him a spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate.
International Star broke well and used the rail to his advantage staying close to the pace, making a move outside horses and then grinded away to victory over a tiring group of leaders who may have gotten sucked into a quick pace with 100/1 longshot Hero of Humor using multiple moves to force horse to move early in the first half mile. He has 7 lifetime races and this may have been a “top” for him, he’s a grinder, but doesn’t have really a move or a running style. Class will keep him in races and seems to have adapted to the dirt, just not sure what he can do to improve on his new high of 89 Beyer speed figure. Ran sneaky good in the Kentucky Jockey Club and took advantage of the post position in the LeComte, probably needs to regress and then fire best race in final derby prep.
Tiznow R J ran a strong race while moving up in class this smooth runner, was pressing the pace the entire way and was still running at the end. He did benefit from being inside. Top Decile and Eagle both finished out of the money on this surface with the 11 post positions. The two stakes races were won by I’m a Chatterbox and International Star who used the #1 post position to their advantage. Risen Star very much in play and will be one of the favorites in that spot. This guy is going to win some races and make some money. Combination of smooth stride, good development, natural grit and some latent speed will make him a player all summer.
Another Lemon Drop had the 10th post position but used his speed to establish position at the rail and made a nice run, but the move was way too early and flattened out coming out of the turn. This horse still has some upside and just with his pedigree just needs to lay back and use his speed for one run approaching the stretch. Risen Star most likely next. A strong finisher would be ideal with this horse, but Calvin Borel has been able to establish the rail the last 3 races.
Eagle had a bad post and the outside horses were hard pressed to make any moves on the day at the FairGrounds. The track played fair, but inside horses made several moves on the lead and from off the pace. Still looks on track and probably will improve off the effort. Another who made a move coming into the turn and just flattened out. He also was bumped by Runhappy on the backstretch and then was eased late. Performance on the track looks worse on “Paper” this was a solid conditioning race. Versatile runner can run inside and from the outside. Not sure he has a “105” Beyer in him, but mid 90’s is still within reach.
War Story was able to advance from mid-pack, made a move while running wide into the stretch and ran evenly late. Fits with this class level and could see some more improvement. This was his 2nd race in the form cycle and 3rd lifetime race so Risen Star could be his top effort.
Savoy Stomp was bet down to 4/1 and never showed anything, not enough speed to stay close and when several horse made moves, he did not deliver any punch. He has regressed for 3 straight races since his debut effort and his pedigree is really long on the turf. High priced yearling looks like Tarzan and runs like Jane.
Runhappy broke well, lagged in the middle of the track, jumped something on the backstretch and cut off Eagle for a couple of strides, made a long run to the lead and tired down the stretch, not a bad effort, and considering he wasn’t really trained for this race, probably can improve. Probably back to Turfway for some Poly Action.
Overall a solid prep with a new personal best effort by International Star.
2015 Prep Season top Winning Performances:
#1 El Kabeir
#2 Calculator
#3 Bluegrass Singer
#4 International Star
#5 Cross the Line