Improving Starspangledbanner Filly Gains Maiden Success

Aloha Star (2f Starspangledbanner - Zain Art, by Excellent Art) built on a promising run last time out to get off the mark at Bellewstown on Thursday.

Third at Tipperary two weeks prior, the Fozzy Stack-trained filly was sent off favourite for the five furlong maiden. Andy Slattery rode her in a prominent position, pushing his mount along from two furlongs out and led close home to win by half a length, with three lengths and three quarters back to the third horse.

A step up in trip may be on the cards for Aloha Star according to Stack, who trains the bay for D Keoghan and partners. Bred by Patrick Beirne Junior, she continues the stable’s success with daughters of Starspangledbanner, with stablemate Bubbles On Ice (Starspangledbanner) having recently made a promising debut at the Curragh, while American Lady (Starspangledbanner) gained black-type last time out at Ayr.

Starspangledbanner is no stranger to success at Bellewstown, his Gr.1 winning daughter Millisle started off her career at the Co Meath track last year with a win in the same 5f. maiden and was later crowned 2019 European Champion 2YO Filly.