Clement running Chipolata and Sky Full of Stars in feature race

ELMONT, N.Y. – Trainer Christophe Clement will send out two of the five starters, Chipolata and Sky Full of Stars, in Sunday’s main event, an $85,000 optional claimer at 1 1/8 miles on the turf for fillies and mares. The lineup also includes Xenobia, Matty’s Magnum, and Scottish Jig.

Chipolata has not started since finishing second as the 9-5 favorite under similar conditions on June 23. The French-raced 4-year-old finished third making her U.S. debut here 14 months ago in the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks and posted her only victory in this country at Aqueduct in April.

“I don’t think she liked the heat this summer, so we gave her the time off,” Clement explained when asked why Chipolata had not started in nearly three months. “She may be a little bit short because we’re coming back a little quickly, but she’s a small filly and has trained well.”

Sky Full of Stars has finished off the board in all three North American appearances, including a pair of stakes earlier this summer.

“She’s been a bit of a disappointment,” said Clement. “We’ve been running her longer. It will be nice having her not be in a stakes for once. It’s an easier race. Just trying something else new because it hasn’t worked so far.”

Xenobia, a Group 3 winner in Ireland, should benefit from her only start this season, a fourth, 1 3/4 lengths behind Chipolata, here on June 23. Scottish Jig finished third at 1 1/2 miles in the River Memories, but was overmatched last time in the Grade 2 Ballston Spa.