Gemma's Star gives Aguilar four-win day

MIAMI - Gemma's Star emerged from a four-horse battle for the lead around the second turn and scored a convincing 2 1/2-length victory over 9-5 favorite Susie's Poker and six other 3-year-olds in Saturday's $75,000 Blazing Sword Stakes at Calder.

Gemma's Star rated off the early pace of Sebastian Light through the opening half-mile of the 1 1/16-mile Blazing Sword. He moved four wide to engage for command midway down the backstretch under jockey Manny Aguilar, shook clear in early stretch, and gradually increased his advantage in the final furlong.

Susie's Poker, who also joined the first flight with a quick move down the backstretch, stayed with Gemma's Star until midstretch before proving no match in the final 70 yards. Say No Maw, who raced coupled in the wagering with Susie's Poker, rallied mildly to be third.

Gemma's Star, making only his third start since owner James Calderazzo switched him to trainer David Brownlee's barn earlier this year, returned $16 and gave Aguilar his fourth winner on the card. Gemma's Star covered the distance in 1:46.93 over a fast track.