Wild About Star Breaks Free in The Very One

BALTIMORE, MD – Brittlyn Stable’s homebred Wild About Star debuted for new trainer Jose Camejo in fine fashion on Saturday, breaking away in midstretch to win the $100,000 The Very One Stakes at Pimlico Race Course.

Breaking sharply from the far outside post 9 under Daniel Centeno at 5/1 odds, Wild About Star was quick into stride and soon cleared most of her inside foes before racing two-wide along the even-money favorite Jo Jo Air. Heading into the far turn, the two dueled close together, and at the top of the stretch, it was clear that they were the only ones in with a shot.

Midway down the stretch, Wild About Star began to kick away from the bettors’ choice, and it was all over from there. Wild About Star crossed with a -length lead in a final time of :56.93 for the 5-furlong sprint over the firm turf course.

“The plan was to try to come off the pace,” Centeno said. “We thought there would be a little more pace. Try to break sharp, get good position, and make one run. But she broke really good and was really comfortable right close to the lead. Turning for home, I looked back and I had plenty of horse and she responded really well.”

Jo Jo Air weakened late but still stayed on for second, finishing 3/4 of a length ahead of Misericordia. The fight for fourth was tight, with Eye On Berlin heading Not in Jeopardy and just a neck and a head further back to Souper Echo and Dare to Be. Completing the order of finish came Bath And Tennis and Angel At War.

Wild About Star’s win was her first in a stakes event and improved her overall record to 16-6-2-2 with $188,200 earned. The 5-year-old Louisiana-bred daughter of Star Guitar had previously finished sixth in each of her three prior stakes attempts at Louisiana Downs and Fair Grounds.

“It was time to step out and see what we have against other people,” said Evelyn Benoit of Brittlyn Stable regarding the decision to step up. She’s out of his first crop. I’ve been wanting to have this opportunity in front of a big crowd to show that in Louisiana we can breed nice horses.”

Wild About Star returned $13 to win, $5.40 to place, and $3.80 to show. Jo Jo Air brought back $3 to place and $2.40 to show, while Misericordia paid $3.80 to show.