International Star closes fast to take Lecomte

War Story (Northern Afleet) and Tiznow R J (Tiznow) came to the fore entering

the stretch while International Star attempted to make a bid inside that pair.

When no room was found, Mena shifted his mount out for a clear path and the colt

responding strongly to win going away by 2 1/2 lengths.

Owned by Ken and Sarah Ramsey, International Star paid $20.40 after

completing one mile and 70 yards in 1:43 3/5 over a fast track.

"The plan was the save ground on both turns and then he came out at the

three-sixteenths-pole and he came rolling," Mena said. "He was running hard but

he kind of pulled himself up a little at the end when he found himself alone on

the lead."

War Story finished a head in front of Tiznow R J, who was followed by Another

Lemon Drop (Lemon Drop Kid), Savoy Stomp (Medaglia d'Oro), Hero of Humor, 3-1

favorite Eagle (Candy Ride), Dekabrist (Street Sense), Runhappy (Super Saver),

Killingit (Candy Ride), and Four Leaf Chief (Lookin at Lucky).

"He's been training very well," trainer Mike Maker said. "We expected a big

race -- maybe not that big -- but he was coming into the race great. We'll bring

him back to Florida and take a hard look at the Risen Star (G2)."

A debut winner on turf at Belmont Park last June, International Star

subsequently ran second in the Rockville Center for New York-breds, finished

second in the With Anticipation (G2) on turf, and then landed the 1 1/16-mile

Grey by 1 1/4 lengths on Polytrack. He was ninth, beaten 3 1/4 lengths, in the

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1), and then fourth in the Kentucky Jockey Club

(G2) to conclude his juvenile campaign. His record now stands at 7-3-2-0,

$320,979.

Bred in New York by Kartharine Voss and Robert Manfuso, International Star

was produced by Parlez (French Deputy), who is also the dam of stakes winners

Fools in Love and D C Dancer, both by Not for Love.

International Star's third dam was Halory (Halo), whose progeny included

Grade/Group 2 winners Halory Hunter (Jade Hunter) and Van Nistelrooy (Storm

Cat), and Grade 3 scorers Prory (Procida), Brushed Halory (Broad Brush) and Key

Lory (Keu to the Mint).

Farther back, this family yielded 1954 juvenile champion High Voltage (*Ambiorix).

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com