Saratoga’s Grade 1, $500,000 Fourstardave Turf Stakes Headlines Sunday’s Card
(August 13, 2023 – Saratoga Springs, NY) The prestigious Fourstardave Stakes, a Grade 1 turf event with a purse of $500,000, takes center stage at Saratoga Race Course on Sunday. Originally scheduled for Saturday, the race was postponed due to the approach of Tropical Storm Debby, which is expected to bring less-than-firm turf conditions.
The one-mile contest drew a field of six talented turf runners after the early scratch of Master of The Seas. Charlie Appleby’s Ottoman Fleet has been installed as the morning-line favorite at 8-5 off the back of his recent Wise Dan (G2) triumph.
The winner of the Fourstardave will earn a berth in the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar on November 4. Since 2010, three horses have completed the Fourstardave-Breeders’ Cup Mile double, including World Approval (2017), Tourist (2016), and the legendary Wise Dan (2012-2013).
Appleby himself is no stranger to Breeders’ Cup Mile success, having won the last three runnings with Space Blues, Modern Games, and the now-scratched Master of The Seas. Veteran conditioner Bill Mott has also captured the last two editions of the Fourstardave with Casa Creed.
With the turf course expected to be less than firm due to the inclement weather, commentators Laurie Ross of Pedigree Power and Ashley Tamulonis of Coast To Coast provided their insights on the contenders:
Laurie’s Insights
Laurie highlighted the chances of the Chad Brown-trained Carl Spackler, who is 8-for-13 lifetime with a perfect 4-for-4 record at Saratoga. She also mentioned the upset potential of More Than Looks, making his first start since a gallant effort in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Mile.
Ashley’s Insights
Ashley tabbed the Todd Pletcher-trained Major Dude as her top selection, citing the colt’s consistent performances and solid wet-turf record. She also gave a nod to the lightly-raced but promising Money Supply, who found new life on the turf in his last outing.
Post time for the Fourstardave, race 10 of 11 on the card, is set for 6:16 p.m. EDT on Sunday at Saratoga Race Course.
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