Minit to Stardom rewards owner's long drive

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Al Stall Jr. didn’t know who was more impressive last weekend: Minit to Stardom, who stayed unbeaten in three starts Sunday at Churchill, or the filly’s owner, Evelyn Benoit.

Benoit made a 12-hour drive to be here to see Minit to Stardom win a first-level allowance by 6 1/4 lengths, earning a career-high 92 Beyer Speed Figure. On Saturday night, Benoit had been at Evangeline Downs in Opelousas, La., to see two of her horses, Mr. Al’s Gal and Testing One Two, win stakes on the Louisiana Legends card.

But wait, there’s more. Benoit then got back in her car Sunday and drove 11 hours from Louisville to be on hand Monday to watch Star Gaze, trained by her son Tyron, win a maiden-special race at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, La.

“She has the winner’s circle pictures from all the races,” said Stall. “If there’s a more dedicated owner, I don’t know of one.”

Stall said he is looking for a suitable next spot for Minit to Stardom, a 3-year-old homebred by the hot Louisiana sire Star Guitar.