First Star can take step toward Beholder Mile

ARCADIA, Calif. – Before she can become relevant in a shallow California distaff stakes division, First Star needs to knock off a shallow allowance field Friday at Santa Anita.

Five fillies and mares were entered in the featured seventh race, a second-level route in which First Star figures heavily favored over graded-placed Der Lu, California-bred stakes winner Starr of Quality, and longshots Kaydetre and Chickatini.

First Star soon will tackle tougher, if she runs as trainer Ron Ellis expects.

“If she does it the right way,” he said, First Star will run back March 14 in the Grade 1 Beholder Mile. Early possible runners include comebacker Ollie’s Candy and Hard Not to Love.

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Although she is the least experienced horse in the Friday allowance, First Star already is fastest on speed figures. Three of her four starts have come sprinting, and Ellis thinks she will better as she stretches out.

“She wants to go long,” Ellis said. “I’ve never thought she could sprint. That’s why she was 27-1 first time out. We didn’t expect her to be able to sprint like that.”

First Star won her first two starts last summer at Del Mar – a sprint and a route. Ellis ran her seven furlongs in her next two starts to keep her in her age group, 3-year-old fillies. First Star finished second in the Grade 2 Raven Run at Keeneland, followed by a creditable fourth in the Grade 1 La Brea at Santa Anita.

The Friday allowance “gives her a shot to get back on track,” Ellis said.

“She’s more seasoned now,” he said. “I figured this is perfect timing for a confidence-builder.”

First Star, by First Dude, is owned by Albert and Kathleen Mattivi. Regular rider Drayden Van Dyke is back aboard. Bettors concerned about a slow workout one week ago – five furlongs in 1:03.60 – need not worry. Ellis said the work actually was one mile “just to get air into her.”

Second choice in the betting Friday could be Der Lu, runner-up by a nose last out in the Grade 3 La Canada Stakes. Bob Baffert trains Der Lu, and Abel Cedillo picks up the mount as Van Dyke sticks with First Star.

Starr of Quality scratched from the La Canada.

“She was trying to get sick, something was going on,” trainer Bill Spawr said.

Starr of Quality did not finish her feed the night before; the results of bloodwork and an elevated temperature left Spawr no choice but to scratch.

“She’s over it now,” Spawr said. “I think she’ll run well.”

Starr of Quality, a six-time winner at Santa Anita, will be ridden by Tiago Pereira.

◗ A hunch play for Valentine’s Day is entered in race 3: Love Not War is the one to beat in the maiden-claiming sprint.