Scotish Star finally gets chance to make U.S. debut
DEL MAR, Calif. –For the last several weeks, the Argentine Group 1 winner Scotish Star has been ready for her American debut only for race plans to be delayed by a lack of entries in a suitable allowance race.
The opportunity finally arrives Thursday at Del Mar when Scotish Star starts as part of a field of six in a six-furlong allowance race.
Trained by Richard Mandella for the partnership of LNJ Foxwoods and La Providencia LLC, Scotish Star was unbeaten in two starts for Southern Hemisphere 3-year-old fillies in 2020 in Argentina – seven-length wins in a maiden race at about five furlongs last August and in the Grade 1 Polla de Potrancas at about a mile in early October.
Mandella said Sunday that Scotish Star is prepared for her first start in California, but keeping her in top form has been difficult in recent weeks while awaiting an allowance race.
“She’s ready, but it gets mixed up trying to stop and go and stop and go,” he said. “She seems pretty good. She trains like a good filly. She quick and competitive. She does everything right.”
Sunday, Scotish Star worked three furlongs in 37.20 seconds, her second workout in four days. On July 22, Scotish Star worked three furlongs in 36.80.
Flavien Prat is booked to ride Scotish Star, a filly by the Deputy Minister stallion Key Deputy.
Mandella said the Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo Stakes for fillies and mares at 6 1/2 furlongs on Aug. 20 is a possibility for Scotish Star.
“We’ve got to get past this race first,” he said.
The allowance race may provide a clue as to where Scotish Star fits in the national female sprint division.
Bella Vita and Road Rager, who are part of Thursday’s field, were second and third behind 2020 champion female sprinter Gamine in the Grade 2 Great Lady M. Stakes at 6 1/2 furlongs on July 5 at Los Alamitos.
Bella Vita, trained by Simon Callaghan, was beaten 10 lengths, finishing a neck in front of Road Rager.
“I think she ran a good race,” Callaghan said. “Gamine is one of the best sprint fillies there has been in a while.”
Bella Vita won the Spring Fever Stakes for California-bred fillies and mares at six furlongs at Santa Anita in February in her 2021 debut, but is winless in four subsequent starts.
Road Rager had her first start of 2021 in the Great Lady M. Stakes, her first stakes-placing for trainer Brian Koriner.
If a quick pace develops, the allowance race could unfold in favor of Stellar Sound, who drew the outside post for her first start of the year.
“I’m hoping to get away from there and get a good spot,” trainer Michael McCarthy said.
Stellar Sound was third as the 6-5 favorite in the Grade 3 Bayakoa Stakes for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles at Los Alamitos last December.