Starspangledbanner Filly Shines In Santa Anita Grade 3

Saturday saw Rhea Moon (3f Starspangledbanner - Callisto Star, by Fastnet Rock) record back-to-back wins and a first Stakes success in the Grade 3 Autumn Miss Stakes at Santa Anita.

Last seen winning an allowance race in August, the Phil d’Amato-trained bay remained over the mile trip on return and was ridden patiently by Juan Hernandez. Swinging five-wide a furlong from home, she ran on strongly to score by a length and a quarter from previous Stakes winner Nadette, while other beaten rivals included Grade 1 performer Cairo Memories.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “She was very impressive at Del Mar and we had this race in mind after that performance. The way she won today, she came with that run like she can run all day. The American Oaks might be next for her.”

Owned by Talla Racing LLC and Rockingham Ranch, Rhea Moon was purchased privately after finishing second in a Curragh maiden for Ken Condon. The daughter of Starspangledbanner was bred by Kevin Molloy out of Callisto Star (Fastnet Rock), whose Magna Grecia colt sold for €145,000 last month.