The Highly Anticipated Clash: Always a Runner vs. Counting Stars at CCA Oaks
The equestrian world eagerly anticipates a thrilling rematch between two exceptional three-year-old fillies, Always a Runner and Counting Stars. These formidable competitors, having already showcased their prowess by exchanging wins in prestigious races earlier this year, are poised to reignite their competitive spirit at the Grade 1, $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga. Despite the palpable excitement surrounding their renewed clash, their respective trainers cautiously avoid labeling it a "rivalry," emphasizing the broader field of talented contenders.
CCA Oaks: A Renewed Duel at Saratoga
On Saturday, July 24, 2026, at Saratoga Race Course, all eyes will be on the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks, featuring the much-anticipated third encounter between Always a Runner and Counting Stars. These two fillies have already left an indelible mark on the 2026 racing season for three-year-old fillies. Always a Runner, trained by Chad Brown, boasts an impressive record, including a victory in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and a recent second-place finish in the Acorn (G1). Her journey to this race includes a $1.05 million purchase at the September 2024 Keeneland yearling sale, and she has already amassed earnings exceeding $1 million in just four starts. Brown expressed confidence in her current form, noting her consistent strong training sessions post-Acorn.
Conversely, Counting Stars, under the guidance of Mark Casse, enters the race with significant momentum, having triumphed in the Acorn (G1) at 9-2 odds. Her career trajectory includes a series of steady improvements, culminating in her breakthrough victory. Casse recalled her strategic run in the Acorn, where jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. skillfully maneuvered her to the outside, securing the win. Both trainers are quick to highlight the depth of the field, with Brown also fielding Directive and Casse presenting Measure. These additional entries, along with others like Zany, contribute to what promises to be a fiercely contested Grade 1 event.
The upcoming Coaching Club American Oaks presents more than just a horse race; it's a narrative woven with anticipation, strategy, and the inherent unpredictability of elite competition. The cautious stance of the trainers, while understandable in the context of a broad field, only heightens the allure of this particular matchup. It underscores the profound respect they hold for their equine athletes and the challenge of navigating such high-stakes events. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this race offers a vivid demonstration of strategic horsemanship and the sheer thrill of witnessing top-tier talent vie for glory. Regardless of the outcome, the third face-off between Always a Runner and Counting Stars is set to become a memorable chapter in the annals of horse racing, reinforcing the idea that some contests transcend mere statistics to become enduring tales of competitive spirit.