‘A Star Is Born’ at Charles Town

If anyone was looking for a movie to commemorate the career debut of Sentella, “A Star Is Born” seems highly appropriate.

The 3-year-old Neolithic filly bred by Andy and Susy Cant exploded on the scene at Charles Town last night in a $29,400 maiden special at 4 1/2 furlongs. With Jose Montano aboard, Sentella broke last of 10 from the No. 2 post, but her rider quickly rushed her up on the rail and she was settled in third under a stranglehold as they hit the quarter.

As the leaders were entering the stretch, they separated and Montano sent Sentella through the opening and into the lead, catching track announcer Paul Espinosa by surprise. When he picked up Sentella’s run, he shouted “Sentella with a huge move . . . she went by . . . just electric the move she put on . . . Sentella is drawing away like a good thing . . . wins by 7.” He was right on, the $11,000 OBS October yearling won by 7 1/4, clocked in :52.64.

The good thing had her final work at Charles Town – 4 furlongs in :47.60, second best of 21 at the distance that day, yet she was allowed to go off at 10-1, and she paid $22.80. Sentella’s initial payday came to $17,478 and it doesn’t appear as though it will be her last.