The one-mile Fourstardave a Grade 1 named for a perennial Saratoga Horse for Course will be run Saturday. The race drew a field of 7, and as of now it is still scheduled to stay on the grass. It’s Saratoga so that is always subject to change.
Let’s look at the field and see what shakes out.
Emmanuel the first of two from Todd Pletcher starts from the rail. The versatile colt handles both turf and dirt should this race be moved. He can also go or sit so Jose Ortiz will have his choice from the rail. At 6 for 11 he knows where the wire is and must be viewed as a contender. He is not my top choice, but he would be no surprise.
Full Screen already had a start at the meet against lesser and didn’t fare too well. He looks over his head in here and I’ll pass.
My Sea Cottage, like Full Screen is trained by Mark Casse and like Full Screen has some speed. He looks cheaper than these and is another pass for me.
Annapolis, I think is the one to beat and is where I land. I think he can turn the tables and beat Casa Creed here. Like Casa Creed he is a horse for this course and the pair have taken turns beating each other. Last out I felt Casa Creed had a much better trip as Annapolis was bumped out of the gate, pinned down inside, and went wide while Casa Creed got a clear trip and the jump. Annapolis finished excellent the last sixteenth of a mile.
Despite running in two Grade 1’s in his last 4 races So High looks way over his head against these. Another hard pass for me.
Casa Creed has sure turned into quite the warrior. He has always had the ability to finish fast at times but has become more consistent and more versatile distance wise. I think the trip made the difference last time and although Annapolis may have to step it up a notch and bring his A plus race, I think he is poised to do that and last time was Casa Creed’s turn. Obviously, he would be not even the slightest surprise should he go back-to-back.
Ice Chocolat looks a cut below the best in here. Another one from Mark Casse would need his best race to date by a decent enough margin to beat the top ones in here.
It is not only pace the makes the race. It is the trip also and I think Annapolis gets it this time around. We will find out soon enough.
We had a good episode of Saratoga Saturday on Past the Wire TV this week. Check it out and see how Jose santos got the mount on his Kentucky Derby Funny Cide and a lot more.
Watch Saratoga Saturday, Fourstardave day HERE
