Gemma's Star, trained by David Brownlee, stalked the pacesetting Sebastian Light, then challenged for the lead along with Russian Hand and Susie's Poker at the half-mile pole. Running four wide turning for home, jockey Manuel Aguilar guided the colt to the lead at the quarter pole. He was the strongest down the lane and drew off to win by 2-1/2 lengths over Susie's Poker, whose stablemate Say No Maw finished third.
Gemma's Star ran the distance in 1:46 4/5 and paid $16.00 for the win. "I was hoping he'd run well today, but really wasn't expecting for him to win it," said Brownlee. "It was a big step up to a $75,000 stakes going long after just winning a sprint."
It was Aguilar's third victory of the afternoon. James Calderazzo owns Gemma's Star, who was making only his fourth start of the year.