Minit to Stardom cruises to easy Laurel allowance win

Minit to Stardom. Photo by Jim McCue, Maryland Jockey Club.
Brittlyn Stable’s Grade 2 winner Minit to Stardom returned from her short vacation in triumphant fashion, cruising to a popular 3 ¾-length score in Friday’s feature race at Laurel Park.
With regular rider Alex Cintron aboard for trainer Jose Camejo, Minit to Stardom ($3.20) ran six furlongs in 1:10.19 over a fast main track in the open $55,000 allowance for fillies and mares 3 and older.
It was the first start for Minit to Stardom since finishing second to Come Dancing in the Gallant Bloom (G2) Sept. 22 at Belmont Park. The loss snapped a three-race win streak that was capped by a front-running victory in the Honorable Miss (G2) July 24 at Saratoga.
“I think she likes this weather. She likes it up north,” the Delta Downs (La.) based Camejo said. “She’s getting better and better and we take care of her and keep her happy.”
Sent off at 3-5, Minit to Stardom broke from the rail and settled in fourth as Baby Boss, Decoupage and Zorally tussled for the lead in a tightly packed bunch through a quarter-mile in 22.50 seconds. Cintron kept Minit to Stardom inside and she asserted her class midway on the turn after a half in 45.98, surging to the lead and pulling away once straightened for home.
“We’re just trying to keep her sound and trying to find easy spots like today and continue her success,” Camejo said.
The next stop will be Champions Day Dec. 14 at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, but Camejo didn’t rule out another return to Laurel, where Minit to Stardom is now 2-0 lifetime including an optional claiming win over its world-class turf course June 7.
Laurel hosts prestigious Barbara Fritchie (G3) for fillies and mares 3 and older sprinting seven furlongs each February. The 68th edition will take place in 2020.
“We’ll think about it,” Camejo said. “The plans are on the table and anything that’s in her favor, we can do it.”
LATEST RACING NEWS
Mid-Atlantic Three Stars: February 10
Your five-minute read to catch up on all the Mid-Atlantic racing action you may have missed over the weekend…
Laurel: Paradise Valley rallies to feature triumph
Paradise Valley overcame a stumbling start and a big deficit to win the Laurel Park allowance feature and has paid big dividends for his connections.
St. Jude scores in Laurel Park allowance feature
St. Jude, a six-year-old with just three prior career starts, dominated a Laurel Park allowance Saturday for his second career win.
Nominations released for General George, Fritchie
Nominations are out for a quartet of Laurel Park stakes to be run Feb. 15, topped by the General George and Barbara Fritchie, both at seven furlongs.
Mid-Atlantic Three Stars: February 3
Your five-minute read to catch up on all the Mid-Atlantic racing action you may have missed over the weekend…
Laurel: Change My World rallies to graduate
A longshot pressed the favorite into submission, and the biggest beneficiary was Change My World, who rallied to win Laurel Park’s Sunday feature.