Indian Starlight poised to break through

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – When Sunday’s scheduled Lagerhead Key overnight stakes failed to fill, the afternoon’s main event became an entry-level optional-claiming race that drew a field of seven fillies and mares going 1 1/16 miles on turf for a $40,000 purse.

Indian Starlight, a runner-up under similar conditions April 26, and the extremely consistent Maydell figure to vie for favoritism.

Trained by David Kassen, Indian Starlight finished fifth of 12 with a troubled trip two starts back in the Distaff Turf for Florida-breds at Tampa Bay Downs. She seeks her first victory in six tries this season.

Maydell has been a mainstay in the starter-allowance ranks since the fall, winning three of her last five starts while in the money in all six of her outings since late October.

Minx encountered traffic issues in her only two starts this year. Completing the field are the speedy Tactica for Ever, Arella Princess, Can’t Explain, and Tres Hermanas.