Win and You're In: Breeders' Cup Challenge Series Update, Fourstardave Handicap
The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series presented by America's Best Racing comprises some of the greatest contests from around the globe. The “purple” and “white” honors each winner by waiving the $150k in entry fees, plus it provides a $10k nomination award and $10k travel allowance to the Breeders' Cup World Championships. As they like to say … “Win and You’re In” …
At HorseRacing.net/us, we will be reporting on those that earn their spot in early November. Not only will we have you covered with all the selections, but our crack analysis team will offer juicy long shots, along with all the stories from Del Mar! Stay tuned …
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Saturday @The SPA …
Race 10: Turf, 1 Mile, Fourstardave Handicap (G1), $500k, 3+
“Win and You’re In” … Got Stormy, BC Fan Duel Turf Mile (G1), $2 Million
The Grade 1 Fourstardave Handicap at NYRA's Saratoga Race Course included a nice field of 8. With 3 mares in the group, the tote board told the story ... most bettors believed that it was Chad Brown's Raging Bull #1 who was the deserving favorite at 1/1. The Eclipse Award-winning rider Irad Ortiz once again got the call. Based on the "Bull's" class, it was believed that the fractions would be stiff enough for him to make a big run late. He easily could dominate, they said, much as he had done in previous contests in the past.
The capable horse was not the only one in the race though ... Also drawn in, and taking money was Bill Mott's Casa Creed #4 and Brad Cox's Set Piece #5. With a similar late-running style, they would be vying for the BC ticket as well. Others including Blowout #8 (also from Brown's midst), and a former winner of this race, the seasoned Mark Casse mare, Got Stormy #6, spoke for the ladies present. The latter would be once again be guided by regular rider, Tyler Gaffalione.
At the outset, most 'cappers figured that Brown's Blowout #8, piloted by Joel Rosario, would try to wire the field. That is precisely what occurred. Setting some stiff clocked numbers, she tried to control the pace, but it was too hot. Rounding the final turn in the mile, there was no way she could hold it. At the top of the lane, it looked as though the "closers" would prevail. However, they were shuffled back so far, that it was apparent that they would not have the opportunity to make up the ground. While this was transpiring, Gaffalione had quietly bided his time aboard "Stormy," and he pushed her along the 3-path towards the front. With less than a furlong to go she rocketed to the lead, and finished gamely by a length and a half for the victory. Cox's entry and Mott's runner rounded out the minors ...
The Spendthirft and MyRacehorse contingent on hand swarmed into the winner's circle, celebrating a well-earned victory, as she rewarded bettors with $27.00 for a $2.00 win wager at odds of 13/1. Casse, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame last week, said before the race that she would appreciate the tight 2-turns at The SPA ... his prediction rang true. Now, the 6-yr-old chestnut mare out of Got Stormy is headed back to the Breeders' Cup after adding yet another Grade 1 win to her illustrious resume. She has punched her ticket to Del Mar, and the Fan Duel Mile!
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It’s the Breeders’ Cup … as the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club once again hosts! Enjoy …