Tapit Filly Claws to Victory at Big Sandy

4th-BEL, $71,250, Msw, 9-13, 2yo, f, 1 1/16m (off turf), 1:47.37, my.
GREY STARK (f, 2, Tapit–Amansara {SW & GSP, $140,584}, by War Chant), who closed nicely to take fourth as the market leader in a Saratoga grass contest over this distance Aug. 16, was off as the even-money chalk in this off-turf second attempt. Gaining blinkers, the grey was slowest away as Alto Belle (Trappe Shot) shouldered leadership duties. At the back of the tightly bunched field two wide after a half in :47.69, Grey Stark was angled closer to the center of the track and inched into contention with Alto Belle after six panels in 1:13.44. She engaged in a prolonged stretch duel with that rival, but ultimately held on to score by a neck. Girl’s Secret (Giant’s Causeway) ran third. Herkimer Diamond (Rock Hard Ten), a daughter of champion Escena (Strawberry Road {Aus}), was scratched when the race was moved to the main track. The winner’s dam Amansara, who landed the grassy Without Feathers S. and took third in the GIII Frances A. Genter S. during her racing days, foaled a full-brother to the winner in 2014 and an Uncle Mo half-brother this year. She is a daughter of GSW Marianna’s Girl and a half-sister to GSWs Marastani (Shahrastani) and Christine’s Outlaw (Wild Again). Amansara was bred back to Super Saver this spring. Sales history: $485,000 Ylg ’14 KEESEP. Lifetime Record: 2-1-0-0, $49,150. Click for the Equibase.com chart or VIDEO, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton.
O-Robert V. LaPenta; B-R. A. Hill Stable (KY); T-Chad C. Brown.

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