Seventh Star, who managed only a fourth in five starts in Ireland last year and was last and next-to-last in his final two starts there, had little trouble beating a field of maiden claimers in Saturday's fifth race.
Ridden by leading jockey Tyler Baze, Seventh Star ($16.20) pulled clear in the stretch to win the seven-furlong race by 4 3-4 lengths over Tuba Man in 1:22.26. Trainer Mike Mitchell has a good record with horses making their first starts in the United States.
One horse to watch from that field is Songfoya, who finished fourth, a nose behind Nostalgic Bid for third. Songfoya raced on the rail on the turn behind Seventh Star and was forced to pause for a few strides. He was not able to rally in the stretch and play a significant role in the outcome.
