Photo Courtesy of JJ Zamaiko Photography
October 8, 2020
7 year old Star Mabee, the oldest mare in the field of nine, flew down the lane in a perfectly timed ride by Luis Rivera to win the historic $75,000 Black Type Scarlett and Gray Handicap for registered Ohio Breds at Thistledown racetrack today. The dark bay mare by Mr. Mabee out of the Mutakddim mare Stardimm stopped the timer in 1:12 flat defeating Moonlit Mission by an open length. Ali Blue checked in third another 4 and 1/2 lengths back.
Star Mabee is owned by Michael J. Annechino and trained by Jeff Radosevich. After the race Radosevich said, “The mare is simply doing and feeling great right now. I try and let the horses tell me when they are ready and then look for the best spot for them. We were stepping up a bit but she was doing so well that we thought if not now when?”
Radosevich went on to say how pleased he was with the ride that Rivera gave the horse. “Luis is a smart rider and team player. He is there in the mornings to help out with the horses then he spends a lot of time reviewing films and studying the running style of every horse in his race. Luis and I discuss beforehand how we think the race will go. I know when that gate opens Luis has a plan…and it sure is gratifying when everything comes together like it did today.”
Annechino said, “This is what makes horse racing such an incredible sport. A smaller outfit can compete head to head with much larger ones. The Ohio Bred program offers one of the best opportunities to have fun and make money in the entire country.”
“In our case, there is a great team of people working daily to make this happen including Jeff, Luis, Steve Hayes, and all of the incredibly hard working grooms and assistants that make up the Radosevich crew at Thistledown. All of us have been doing this together for a long time and we have seen both the highs and the lows. But when a tough and game mare like Star Mabee lays it all out there and wins such an important race as the Scarlet and Gray it brings a smile to your heart and a tear to your eye. I have tremendous respect and appreciation for the efforts everyone made…especially our “old” girl!”
Star Mabee was bred in Ohio by Lake Shore Farm, LLC. This is the first stake win of her career after running several close seconds in her 2 and 3 year old seasons. Below is a video of the race today:
