Counting Stars Dominates Coaching Club American Oaks in Thrilling Finish
Witness the Epic Clash: Counting Stars Reigns Supreme in Coaching Club American Oaks!
Early Dominance: Seizing the Lead from the Start
From the moment the gates flung open, Counting Stars, breaking from the inside post, asserted her dominance by immediately taking the lead. Under the expert guidance of jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., she set a blistering pace, dictating the rhythm of the Grade 1, $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga. Her initial fractions were set at a rapid 23.86 seconds, demonstrating her early speed and intent to control the race.
Strategic Pacing: Maintaining the Advantage Against Challengers
As the race progressed, Counting Stars skillfully maintained her lead, carving out impressive fractions of 47.60 for the half-mile and 1:11.55 for six furlongs. Throughout this period, she faced consistent pressure from Zany and the formidable Kentucky Oaks winner, Always a Runner, who tirelessly pursued her. Despite the close competition, Counting Stars never relinquished her prime position, showcasing her stamina and tactical awareness.
The Rivalry Intensifies: A Head-to-Head Battle in the Stretch
The race reached its climax as the field rounded the far turn, with Measure joining the pursuit from the outside, intensifying the pressure on Counting Stars. As the horses thundered into the stretch, the rivalry between Counting Stars and Always a Runner ignited into a fierce, shoulder-to-shoulder duel. The mile mark was clocked at 1:36.14, and the two fillies made contact, battling stride for stride, pushing each other to their limits in a breathtaking display of equine athleticism.
Victory Secured: Counting Stars Pulls Away for a Decisive Win
In the final crucial moments, inside the eighth pole, Counting Stars found an extra gear. With sheer determination and a powerful surge, she pulled away from Always a Runner, crossing the finish line in a spectacular time of 1:48.98 on the fast main track. This thrilling victory not only marked her second Grade 1 win but also solidified her 2-1 lead in her season's confrontations with Always a Runner. Following this stellar performance, Counting Stars paid out impressively at $4.08, $2.26, and $2.10 for win, place, and show respectively.
Post-Race Highlights: Awards and Unforeseen Incidents
Always a Runner secured a respectable second place, returning $2.76 and $2.16, while Measure, also trained by Mark Casse and ridden by Manuel Franco, claimed third, paying $3.80. Zany, the third favorite, finished fourth. This event was particularly significant for Irad Ortiz Jr., who celebrated his fifth win of the day. The race also saw the scratching of La Rascasse and Directive, and an unforeseen incident involving jockey Tyler Gaffalione, who required a precautionary X-ray on his right ankle after a mishap during the loading process for an earlier race, leading Flavien Prat to take over his mount on Dandona.