International Star rallies late to win Grey Stakes

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The aptly named Kentucky shipper International Star mowed down the favored Conquest Typhoon and the longshot Hollywood Critic late to take the Grade 3, $156,300 Grey Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday.

International Star ($7.90) raced along the rail at the back of the pack early in the 1 1/16-mile route for 2-year-olds. Imperial Dream set moderate fractions while being tracked by Conquest Tyhoon, who assumed command in mid-stretch.

The maiden Hollywood Critic rallied into contention in the final furlong, but International Star blew by the leaders in deep stretch to score by 1 1/4 lengths over Conquest Typhoon, who nosed out Hollywood Critic for second. The final time was 1:45.15.

Rafael Hernandez rode the Mike Maker-trained International Star, who earned $90,000 in his first stakes victory for owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey.

“He broke good, and then laid back and relaxed a little on the first turn,” said Hernandez. “We saved ground all the way. Turning for home, I had to go outside, and as soon as I put him in the clear, he started rolling. I had plenty of horse.”