My Main Starr enjoys surface switch

Winless in four starts on dirt since a victory in an Oct. 2 optional claimer on turf, My Main Starr found her way to the winner's circle again with a switch back to grass in Saturday's $52,200 Dahlia Stakes at Laurel Park. The victory in the 1 1/16-mile race for fillies and mares was the 5-year-old's first in a stakes and seventh in 28 career starts. She is now 2 for 2 on turf.

My Main Starr, ridden by Horacio Karamanos, rated at the back as Fareena set fractions of 23.88 seconds, 47.66, 1:11.29, and 1:35.90. Karamanos asked My Main Starr on the far turn, and the mare swung five wide into the stretch before taking the lead with 70 yards remaining. My Main Starr pulled clear and crossed the wire 1 1/4 lengths in front of Fareena. It was another half-length back to Sales Tax in third.

Fareena, ridden by Luis Garcia, swerved a bit in the stretch, causing Sales Tax and jockey Sheldon Russell to steady. There was a stewards' inquiry and Russell lodged an objection, but the result was allowed to stand.

Trained by Gary Capuano and owned by Capuano and Paul L. Fowler Jr., My Main Starr covered the distance in 1:42.12 on a firm course. She returned $8.60.

The win boosted My Main Starr's career bankroll to $240,907.