Celebrity Star shocks Wind Racer, bettors

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Dave Kassen was as surprised as everyone else when Celebrity Star rolled home a six-length winner at 28-1 in a first-level allowance race Thursday at Gulfstream Park.

“I entered her for never-won-two for $12,500 and $20,000, but none of her races would go,” said Kassen, who trains Celebrity Star for Mike Raymaley, Denise Bujold, and Five Keys Stables. “I went in this race because there was nothing else for her.”

Kassen said he bet nothing on his horse. “In fact, I cold-watered everybody,” he said. “I mean, she’d shown a little speed in her last breeze, but who knew she’d jump out of there like that?”

The allowance was supposed to be won easily by Wind Racer, the 1-10 favorite. When the gates were sprung for the 6 1/2-furlong race, Celebrity Star and jockey Tyler Gaffalione sped to an open lead, and that was it. It took every effort from Wind Racer to get second by a half-length over Previous in a field reduced to just five horses after four others were early scratches.

A Curlin filly bought by Stonestreet Stables for $270,000, Wind Racer had earned a 96 Beyer Speed Figure in her only previous start. Celebrity Star, a 5-year-old mare by Dehere, had won once in six prior starts. She earned an 80 Beyer on Thursday.

“That’s the way this game goes sometimes,” Kassen said with a shrug.