Santa Anita: In the Stars eyes stakes after win

In the Stars will start in a turf stakes in November after winning for the first time in the United States in an allowance race over a mile on Friday.

Ridden by Corey Nakatani, In the Stars ($3.40) was fifth early, took the lead with a wide move on the turn, and pulled clear to finish 3  1/4 lengths in front of Mary Fildes.

Trained by Richard Mandella, In the Stars was second or third in four stakes in South America last year before being sent to the United States.
Mandella said two stakes in November will be considered for In the Stars – the $150,000 Goldikova Stakes over a mile on turf here Nov.  4 or the $250,000 Matriarch Stakes at Betfair Hollywood Park on Nov. 25.

“My first inclination is to pick one, or I may try another allowance race,” he said.

Mandella said he was impressed by the way In the Stars finished Friday. In her U.S. debut at Del Mar, she took the lead in the stretch, but was passed late and finished third.

“I liked the win,” he said. “She hung the other day. This time, she went right through with it and was impressive, I thought. She did everything like a pro.”