Star of Whitney wins in homecoming

PHOENIX - Returning to her home base and dropping out of graded stakes company did the trick for Star of Whitney, as the 6-year-old mare captured Saturday's $50,000 Desert Sky Handicap at Turf Paradise.

Owned by Honor Roll Racing and trained by Dennis Sowers, Star of Whitney was sent off the 3-5 favorite in the field of eight fillies and mares going a mile on firm turf. She bided her time toward the back, swung very wide into the lane and almost left herself with a bit too much to do. However, under Ry Eikleberry she closed doggedly to get up for the half-length win. Screamingleapofaith rallied for second, with another closer, Profitability, finishing third.

Star of Whitney ran the distance in 1:36.85 and paid $3.20. The winner's share of $30,000 pushes her career earnings to $255,254 from 12 wins in 32 starts.