Alva Starr simply too good in the American Beauty (Coady Photography)
By Robert Yates – Oaklawn Park
HOT SPRINGS, Ark.— Grade 2 winner Alva Starr justified her 1-5 favoritism with an easy frontrunning victory in the $150,000 American Beauty Stakes for older female sprinters Saturday at Oaklawn.
Ridden by Cristian Torres, Alva Starr coasted home by 3 ½ lengths over Royal Spa in her 4-year-old debut for trainer/co-breeder Brett Brinkman.
Alva Starr’s winning time over a muddy, sealed surface was 1:10.47. Owned by P. Dale Ladner, Alva Starr ($2.60) increased her career earnings to $420,400 following her fourth victory from seven starts.
Alva Starr, was a two-time stakes winner last year, highlighted by the $250,000 Prioress (G2) Sept. 2 at Saratoga.
Alva Starr was making her first start since finishing second, beaten a half-length, in the $350,000 Raven Run Stakes (G2) at 7 furlongs Oct. 21 at Keeneland.
AMERICAN BEAUTY QUOTES
Winning trainer Brett Brinkman: “She’s been that kind of mare. She’s given us everything we’ve asked for. Our expectations are high.”
Winning jockey Cristian Torres: “I was on cruise control. She did all the work. I was hoping for a good break. She did. I don’t know what to say, honestly. She’s a really nice horse. She’s won all over the U.S. Just very thankful for the opportunity. She handled it (muddy track) perfectly. I think it’s the first time since ran on a sloppy track and she handled it beautifully. She broke good. Settled. On the turn, she relaxed a little. When I asked her at the quarter pole, she took off again.”
