Pure Star holds on in Bluegrass Stakes

LINCOLN, Neb. - Pure Star got her first career stakes victory and second straight victory as she held off Plaer's Trump to score by a head in the $15,450 Bluegrass Stakes for fillies and mares Saturday at Lincoln Race Course.

Pure Star, the 9-5 second choice, dueled with 6-5 favorite Noble Bandit through the opening half-mile of the six-furlong race before moving clear by two lengths late in the far turn. With Jake Olesiak riding, she dug in late as Plaer's Trump and jockey Armando Martinez rallied outside through the short stretch here to hold safe by a head in 1:13.60 over a fast track.

Mom's Intuition rallied late to gain third, 3 1/2 lengths behind the top pair. Noble Bandit faded to fourth through the lane, another 3 3/4 lengths back.

Pure Star returned $5.80.

The win was the third of the year for Pure Star and trainer Tom Pojar as she moved her career mark to 5-3-2 from 11 starts for earnings of $89,770. Pure Star has won 3 of her 4 starts this year, with her only defeat coming by a neck to Gracie Jane in an optional claimer at Fonner Park. The Bluegrass Stakes was her first stakes appearance.