Mystical Star Set to Run in New York

Trainer Christophe Clement could be represented in both graded stakes on June 29 at Belmont Park as he has Mystical Star set to run in the Grade 2 New York and Native One under consideration for the Grade 3 Victory Ride.

Cheyenne Stables’ Mystical Star is seeking her first win since capturing last year’s New York. Since then, she has posted a record of 0-2-1 in five starts. This year, she has finished third in the Grade 3 Hillsborough in March at Tampa Bay Downs, fourth in the Grade 3 Doubledogdare over Keeneland’s synthetic surface in April, and fifth over soft turf in the Grade 2 Sheepshead Bay on May 25 at Belmont.

“She had a very nice work Thursday [four furlongs on the main track in 48.23],” said Clement. “It was such soft turf [in the Sheepshead Bay]. Most of the better fillies finished far back. She looks solid, looks well, so let’s go on again.”

If Native One competes in the Victory Ride, it would be her second start against winners and third start overall. After debuting a six-length winner last July, she returned from an 11-month absence to finish third, beaten 1 ¾ lengths, after contesting the pace in an entry-level optional claimer on June 5. 

“We’re going to keep Native One eligible [for the Victory Ride], but we’re not sure,” said Clement. “We’ll talk to the owner, Mr. Cox and we will make a decision next week. It’s a little bit ambitious on paper, but she’s a filly, so if we finish in the top three it would be nice for her pedigree. Let’s see what happens. She needs to work [before we make a decision].”