2/20/09
Last updated: 2/19/09 4:57 PM
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Country Star was a dual Grade 1 winner as a juvenile
(Benoit Photos) |
Two-time Grade 1 winner COUNTRY STAR (Empire Maker) has been retired
after an aborted start in the February 14 Santa Maria H. (G1) at Santa
Anita.
“She’s fine, but that’s what they wanted,” said trainer Bobby
Frankel, speaking of Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley Stud, which acquired the
four-year-old late in 2008 along with most of breeder Robert and Janice
McNair’s other Stonerside Stable holdings.
Country Star rose to prominence as a two-year-old, capturing the
Alcibiades S. (G1) at Keeneland and the Hollywood Starlet (G1) for her
breeders. In the latter race, she set a new Cushion Track record when
running 1 1/16 miles in 1:40 2/5. The filly finished second in the 2007
Eclipse Award voting to champion Indian Blessing (Indian Charlie) as
outstanding juvenile filly.
The dark bay lass made her three-year-old bow in last April’s Ashland
S. (G1) back at Keeneland, but could do no better than fifth on that
occasion after a rough start. She ran sixth when trying dirt for the first time in the
Kentucky Oaks (G1) next out, then took a three month break before making
her final race as a sophomore in an August 18 allowance/optional
claimer, scoring in that mile turf test by a half-length.
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Not seen in competition for five months, Country Star returned in the January
18 El Encino S. (G2) at Santa Anita. She pressed the pace throughout the 1
1/16-mile Pro-Ride event, gained a short lead in the stretch, but eventually
finished second after being passed by winner Life is Sweet (Storm Cat).
Country Star was scheduled to make her second start of the year in the Santa
Maria, but sat down in the gate and was subsequently scratched. She retires with
a 7-3-2-0 line having banked $668,865 in lifetime earnings.
