Progressive Starspangledbanner Colt Wins Maiden In Style

American Star (2c Starspangledbanner - Signora Valentina, by Henrythenavigator) built on two promising performances to justify favouritism in Saturday’s six furlong maiden at Salisbury.

Eyecatching on debut last month, the Ed Walker-trained colt followed up with a fine second at Newbury and was given a similar ride on the third attempt. Tracking the leader under Pat Cosgrave, the bay was asked to challenge two furlongs from home and led approaching the final furlong. Running on well, he scored by two lengths in comfortable fashion.

Owned by David Ward, American Star was bought by Sackville Donald as a yearling for 170,000gns, having been pinhooked for €70,000. The Swordlestown Little-bred winner continues a fine run of form for Starspangledbanner, who sired a Listed winner the previous evening at York.