Meet the Majestic Mare: A Growing Star in Thoroughbred Racing

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The Thoroughbred racing community is focused on Counting Stars, a 4-year-old filly trained by Mark Casse, as she prepares for the Coaching Club American Oaks (CCA Oaks) at Saratoga Race Course. The race, a Grade I event for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles, marks a pivotal test for the chestnut daughter of Gun Runner, who has shown promise but remains unproven at the highest level.

According to BloodHorse, Casse described Counting Stars as “a big, tall, beautiful horse still trying to grow into her frame—and she is getting there.” This assessment aligns with her racing history, which includes a debut victory at 2 years old and a second-place finish in the 2025 Ashland Stakes (G1), a key prep for the Kentucky Derby. Her connections have opted for longer distances this season, a strategic shift aimed at capitalizing on her physical development.

The CCA Oaks, held annually at Saratoga Race Course in New York, carries significant prestige as one of the most competitive races for 3-year-old fillies in the Northeast Region. Past winners include Hall of Fame horses like Rags to Riches (2007) and Monomoy Girl (2018), making it a stage where emerging stars often announce their dominance. Counting Stars’ entry is notable not only for her potential but also for the presence of rivals such as Always a Runner, a multiple stakes winner who has been entered in the same race.

Casse, a veteran trainer with 11 Kentucky Derby wins, has emphasized patience with Counting Stars. “She’s still maturing, both physically and mentally,” he said. “We’re not trying to rush her. The longer distances give her a chance to show what she can do.” This approach contrasts with some of her earlier starts, where she was raced against older rivals at shorter distances. The decision to target the CCA Oaks reflects confidence in her ability to handle the race’s demands.

The race’s stakes are high for both the horse and her connections. A victory would elevate Counting Stars into the conversation for the 2026 Breeders’ Cup, while a strong performance could attract attention from owners looking to syndicate her. Her pedigree also adds intrigue: as a daughter of Gun Runner, the 2017 Kentucky Derby winner and leading sire, she carries the bloodline of a horse known for cross-country versatility.

Saratoga Race Course, known for its historic grandeur and challenging turf surface, will test Counting Stars’ adaptability. The track’s 1 1/8-mile distance is a natural fit for her, but the presence of seasoned competitors like Always a Runner complicates the outlook. Always a Runner, trained by Steve Asmussen, has a career record of 6 wins from 11 starts, including a victory in the 2025 Apple Blossom Handicap (G1). Her recent form suggests she is well-prepared for the CCA Oaks.

For Casse, the race is another step in building a legacy. His horses have historically thrived at Saratoga, with 12 wins in the CCA Oaks since 2000. “Saratoga is a special place,” he said. “It’s where dreams are made—and where we’ll see if Counting Stars is ready to take her place among the greats.”

The CCA Oaks is scheduled for July 27, 2026, with post time set for 5:45 p.m. ET. The race will be broadcast on NBC Sports, offering a prime opportunity for fans to witness a potential rising star in action.

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A Strategic Shift for a Developing Star

Counting Stars’ journey to the CCA Oaks reflects a calculated strategy by Casse and her owners, Three Chimneys Farm and George and Lori Smith. After early success in 2025, including a win in the 2025 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), the team opted to bypass the Kentucky Derby in favor of a longer-term plan. “We felt the Derby was a bit too short for her right now,” Casse explained. “She needs to keep growing, and the CCA Oaks gives her a chance to do that on a national stage.”

This decision has drawn comparisons to other horses in similar developmental paths. For example, 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage, trained by Todd Pletcher, also bypassed the Derby to focus on longer distances, ultimately winning the 2024 Preakness Stakes. While Counting Stars’ career is still in its early stages, her team’s approach mirrors a growing trend in Thoroughbred racing: prioritizing long-term potential over immediate wins.

The CCA Oaks also serves as a critical test for her versatility. While she has shown speed in shorter races, her performance at 1 1/8 miles will determine whether she can compete with the elite. “She’s got the heart, but she needs to prove she can handle the pace,” said BloodHorse analyst Kristina Bracken. “If she can do that, she’s got a real shot.”

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The Broader Implications for the Northeast Region

The CCA Oaks is more than just a race for Counting Stars—it is a reflection of the Northeast Region’s enduring role in Thoroughbred racing. Saratoga Race Course, often called “The Summer Capital of Horse Racing,” hosts some of the sport’s most prestigious events, drawing fans, owners, and breeders from across the country. The race’s significance is amplified by its status as a qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup, making it a key event for horses aiming to secure a spot in the fall championships.

For trainers like Casse, the race is also a chance to showcase their ability to develop horses in a competitive environment. Casse’s success at Saratoga has been well-documented, with his horses consistently performing well on the track’s turf and dirt surfaces. “Saratoga is a unique challenge,” he said. “It’s not just about speed—it’s about strategy, resilience, and adaptability.”

The race’s stakes are also a boon for the region’s racing industry. Saratoga’s summer meet generates millions in revenue, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. For owners and trainers, the CCA Oaks represents both a competitive and financial opportunity. “Every race here is a big deal,” said BloodHorse contributor John Velazquez. “The stakes are high, the competition is fierce, and the rewards are significant.”

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What Comes Next

If Counting Stars performs well in the CCA Oaks, her team may consider a fall campaign targeting the Breeders’ Cup. A victory would solidify her status as a top-tier 3-year-old, while a strong showing could lead to a longer career in stakes races. Casse has not ruled out a possible start in the 2026 Distaff (G1) at the Breeders’ Cup, but he emphasized that the CCA Oaks will be the priority.

For now, the focus remains on Saratoga. As the race approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Counting Stars can live up to the hype. With a blend of talent, strategy, and a bit of luck, she has the potential to make history at one of the sport’s most iconic tracks.