Summer Starlet took another massive leap and is now a G1 winner
- Turf Diario
- 18 minutes ago
- 3 min read
The daughter of City of Light maintained her undefeated record by winning the Spinaway Stakes (G1) at Saratoga by 4 3/4 lengths in just her second start; she earned a spot in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and could make her next stop in the Alcibiades Stakes (G1)
SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).— It took Summer Starlet just 2 races to transform from a promising filly into one of the marquee figures of the 2024 generation in the United States. The Steve Asmussentrainee confirmed this Saturday everything she had teased in her debut, claiming the Spinaway Stakes (G1-1400 m) at Saratoga with remarkable authority.
The daughter of City of Light won by 4 3/4 lengths, preserved her undefeated status, and automatically secured a starting spot in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) on October 30 at Keeneland through the Win and You're In challenge series.
Her maiden performance, on August 8 over 1300 meters at the same venue, had been eye-catching. On that day she surprised the betting public at 15-1 odds, though hardly her connections, who always held her in high regard. That afternoon she produced a powerful rally to pull away by 6 1/2 lengths.
This time around there were no surprises. Summer Starlet was sent off as the 8-5 favorite and delivered accordingly.
With Ricardo Santana Jr. stepping in for José Ortiz in the saddle, the dark bay broke cleanly from post 2 and settled into a comfortable third position while Harper's Corner (Speaker's Corner), a previous winner of the Schuylerville Stakes (L), assumed the lead and clicked off an opening 400 meters in a crisp 22s35/100.
Angel of Kirk (Yaupon) gave chase in second, while Summer Starlet bided her time along the inside, sharing third with Life Changing (Life is Good).
The pace did not slacken. Harper's Corner reached the 800-meter mark in 44s96/100, already pressed by Angel of Kirk, and that duel set up the perfect scenario for the favorite.
Santana never lost his cool. Angling outward around the turn, he placed Summer Starlet right behind the pacesetters and, once finding clear passage upon entering the stretch, simply asked her to accelerate.
The response was devastating. First she brushed aside Angel of Kirk with ease, and by the 200-meter pole she overhauled Harper's Corner. From then on, it was a one-horse show. Summer Starlet pulled away effortlessly to cross the wire with a 4 3/4-length cushion, stopping the clock in 1m22s72/100.
Harper's Corner held on gamely for second, finishing a full 7 1/4 lengths ahead of Angel of Kirk. Stress Relief (Not This Time) rallied from off the pace to complete the superfecta.
"All I can say is I was just a good passenger," summarized Santana, who was already intimately familiar with Summer Starlet after exercising her throughout the summer.
The jockey emphasized the composure with which he was able to navigate the race, never panicking when others contested the lead. The filly did the rest.
For Asmussen, none of this came as much of a surprise. Summer Starlet had arrived at his barn from Bryan Rice'sfacility carrying glowing reports, and she has never stopped fulfilling those expectations since.
"She was highly thought of when she came in, and she hasn't let us down yet," explained the conditioner, who also noted that she is a tall, leggy filly, which is why his team chose to give her time before pushing her hard.
Now her horizons have expanded completely.
The ultimate target will be the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, but Asmussen indicated that, barring any setbacks, the Alcibiades Stakes (G1) on October 2 at Keeneland looms as the most logical pit stop. Not only for its prestige, but also to give Summer Starlet a dress rehearsal over the very strip where she will seek champion honors 4 weeks later.
Bred in Kentucky by Newstead Corp., Summer Starlet was acquired for $335,000 as a yearling at the Keeneland September sale. She is out of Act Now, by Street Sense, and races for the partnership of BC Stables, Wattswood Stables, Bob Albritton, Jay Graham, and David Baggett.
Two starts. Two victories. Combined winning margins of 11 1/4 lengths. Summer Starlet arrived at Saratoga as a filly of immense potential. She leaves a G1 winner and a formidable contender for the Breeders' Cup.
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