September Stars captures US turf debut under Stevens

A bit rank early, Irish-bred September Stars leveled off when it counted under Gary Stevens, as she took Thursday’s $56,000 Santa Anita allowance feature by a measured length while getting a mile and one eighth on turf in 1:48.16. Idle since well beaten in England on Sept. 23, September Stars is trained by Paddy Gallagher.

Breaking from the rail in a field of six older fillies and mares, September Stars, a 4-year-old filly, was a handful with Stevens under the wire the first time, but settled some down the backstretch. A close fourth behind a three-horse spread turning for home, Stevens angled to the rail furlong out and September Stars rocketed to the lead and won in-hand late over Mrs. Norris, who had first run on her turning for home.

“I saw that she had pulled some in her races over there (England),” said Stevens. “Wow…she’s got some gears.”

Off at 5-1, September Stars paid $13.40, $6.60 and $3.80. Owned by Andrew Rosen and Edward Easton, she picked up $33,600 for the win, increasing her earnings to $49,201. She now has three wins from nine career starts.

“She had trained nice,” said Gallagher, himself born and bred on the Emerald Isle. “A mile and one eighth looks like a really good distance for her.”

Ridden by Victor Espinoza, Mrs. Norris, who finished 2 ½ lengths in front of Sweet Dragon Fly, was off at 6-1 and paid $5.60 and $3.40.

English-bred Sweet Dragon Fly, who was ridden by Joe Talamo, was off at 9-1 and paid $5.00 to show.

Heavily favored at even money, Radiantly, who was ridden by Brice Blanc, was done three furlongs from home and finished fifth.