Hesa Big Star repeats long layoff feat

Hesa Big Star ($12.40) returned from a long layoff to win the $50,000 Tony Gatto Big Dream Stakes at Atlantic City for the second straight year.

Ridden for the first time by Harry Vega and making his first start since Sept. 1, the 7-year-old Hesa Big Star led wire to wire to defeat Atticus Kristy by 1 1/4 lengths while covering five furlongs on firm turf in 57.37 seconds. Atticus Kristy, a Grade 3 stakes winner, outfought Duffy's Tavern by a head for second.

It was the 10th win in 30 starts for Hesa Big Star, who is based in Maryland with trainer Howie Wolfendale.