Next week at Saratoga is relatively light when it comes to graded stakes as the Fourstardave (G1) and Saratoga Special (G2), both on Saturday, complete the lineup.
An early look at the prospective fields for both races was provided on Thursday by the Saratoga racing office. Below is a closer look at who could be heading to the starting gate.
$500,000 Fourstardave Handicap (G1), 1 mile (turf), 3-year-olds and up
Of the six runners listed as "probable" or "possible" by track officials, two are trained by Chad Brown. Regal Glory, who is 3-for-3 with two Grade 1 wins this year, would be facing males for the first time. Masen has made three starts since arriving from Europe. He was second in the Maker's Mark Mile (G1) and won the Seek Again before taking the Poker (G3) in June.
Casa Creed will be stretching out to two turns after winning the 6 1/2-furlong Jaipur (G1) last out, while City Man is coming off his first graded-stakes victory in last month's Forbidden Apple (G3).
2022 Fourstardave Handicap (G1)
| Rank | Silks | Horse / Sire | Rating | Trainer / Jockey | Last Start | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regal Glory Animal Kingdom | C. Brown |
| Probable | ||||
| Front Run the Fed Fed Biz | C. Caramori |
| Probable | ||||
| Casa Creed Jimmy Creed | W. Mott |
| Possible | ||||
| City Man Mucho Macho Man | C. Clement |
| Possible | ||||
| Get Smokin Get Stormy | M. Casse |
| Possible | ||||
| Masen Kingman | C. Brown |
| Probable |
$200,000 Saratoga Special (G2), 6 1/2 furlongs, 2-year-olds
Florida-bred Damon's Mound was ultra-impressive winning his debut by 12 1/2 lengths when going six furlongs at Churchill Downs on July 2. Since that eye-catching victory he has been working steadily at Colonial Downs for trainer Michelle Lovell.
Gulfport, a $275,000 auction purchase as a yearling, aired by seven lengths in his debut at Churchill Downs and then returned to romp by 12 1/2 lengths in the Bashford Manor over Owen's Leap, who is also probable for the Saratoga Special.
2022 Saratoga Special (G2)
| Rank | Silks | Horse / Sire | Rating | Trainer / Jockey | Last Start | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gulfport Uncle Mo | S. Asmussen |
| Probable | ||||
| Damon's Mound Girvin | M. Lovell |
| Probable | ||||
| Owen's Leap Bolt d'Oro | T. Amoss |
| Probable | ||||
| Super Chow Lord Nelson | J. Delgado |
| Possible | ||||
| Valenzan Day Khozan | R. Rodriguez |
| Possible |
