Counting Stars Shines Bright: A Strong Contender in the Alabama Stakes
Trainer Mark Casse is poised for a potential back-to-back triumph at the prestigious Grade 1 Alabama Stakes, featuring his exceptional filly, Counting Stars. This highly anticipated event will showcase the continuous improvement and remarkable power of Counting Stars, who has already secured two Grade 1 victories at Saratoga this summer. Casse's pursuit of another Alabama Stakes title highlights his expertise in developing top-tier thoroughbreds. The race promises to be a thrilling contest, with Counting Stars leading a competitive field that includes her stablemate Measure and other strong contenders, all vying for victory in this significant race for sophomore fillies.
The journey of Counting Stars to the Alabama Stakes is marked by a series of impressive performances and a testament to her consistent development. After a second-place finish in the Honeybee (G3) and a dominant win in the Fantasy (G2), she secured her spot in the Kentucky Oaks (G1). Her third-place finish in the Oaks served as a crucial prelude to her stellar summer campaign at Saratoga. Her first Grade 1 victory came in the Acorn, where she showed a powerful turn-of-foot to beat her rival, Always a Runner, by a significant margin. This was followed by an even more remarkable performance in the Coaching Club American Oaks, where she skillfully adopted pacesetting tactics and drew off with ease to win by over four lengths, earning a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 100.
Mark Casse expressed immense satisfaction with Counting Stars' progress, noting her physical and mental development. He highlighted her significant growth, both in stature and strength, attributing her success to her continuous improvement rather than an early plateau. Casse sees a parallel in her trajectory with last year's Alabama winner, Nitrogen, although Counting Stars has already achieved a triple-digit Beyer Speed Figure, indicating her current peak form. This consistent upward trend makes her a formidable presence in the upcoming race.
Accompanying Counting Stars from Casse's barn is Measure, a promising filly owned by Gary Barber, Bridlewood Farm, and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. Measure displayed a valiant third-place effort in the Coaching Club American Oaks, finishing behind her accomplished stablemate. Casse is optimistic about Measure's potential, noting her continued improvement and suitability for longer distances. Her journey to the Alabama Stakes includes a strong runner-up finish against older horses in an optional claiming race, signaling her readiness for the challenge.
The field is further intensified by Chad Brown's contender, My Gun's Loaded. Although Always a Runner, a previous rival, will be rerouted, My Gun's Loaded presents a strong challenge, boasting two victories against older horses at Saratoga. Her recent win in a one-mile optional claimer earned her a career-best 94 Beyer, showcasing her developing speed and class. Despite the significant jump in distance, Brown remains confident in her ability, emphasizing her strong performances on the Saratoga surface.
Jayson Werth's Icon Racing Stable will be represented by Nycon, trained by Whit Beckman. Nycon's previous outing in the Coaching Club American Oaks was marred by a troubled trip, but she has shown promise with stakes placements earlier in the year. Beckman believes her talent and resilience warrant another opportunity, and her regal bloodlines, tracing back to the Hall of Famer Personal Ensign, add an intriguing dimension to her potential. Additionally, C R K Stable's A. P.'s Girl, with a consistent record of on-the-board finishes in stakes races, and Pantofel Stable's Ati Girl, a maiden winner with experience at the distance, complete the competitive lineup, ensuring a gripping contest at the Alabama Stakes.
The Alabama Stakes, scheduled as Race 11 on Saturday's program, is set to deliver an exhilarating display of talent and strategy. Counting Stars' remarkable form and continuous improvement position her as a strong favorite, but the depth of the field, including her promising stablemate Measure, the in-form My Gun's Loaded, and other formidable contenders like Nycon and A. P.'s Girl, ensures a highly competitive and unpredictable race. Trainer Mark Casse's quest for a consecutive victory adds an extra layer of excitement to this prestigious event in thoroughbred racing.