Starspangledbanner Filly Strikes Gold On Second Start

The Richard Hannon-trained American Kestrel (2f Starspangledbanner - Marsh Hawk, by Invincible Spirit) proved progressive when running out a smart winner at Newbury on Friday afternoon.

The Rockcliffe Stud homebred was one of 12 to line up for the six and a half furlong maiden and raced prominently throughout under Sean Levey. Leading before the two furlong marker, she was ridden a furlong later and kept on strongly to win by a length and a quarter.

American Kestrel is out of a black-type half-sister to Stakes performer Hairy Rocket, herself the dam of Group 2 performer The Acropolis (Churchill).