Fourstardave Stakes Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Aug 2)

A stacked weekend of graded stakes racing is set for Saratoga this Friday and Saturday. The Grade One action on Saturday gets underway with the G1 Fourstardave Stakes, which will be run over a mile on the turf. The race is a ‘Win and You’re In’ for the Breeders’ Cup, but which contender will secure their spot at Del Mar in New York?

Odds

Fourstardave Stakes Recent Winners

Fourstardave Stakes: Event Information

Race Preview

A key prep race ahead of the Breeders’ Cup Turf later this year will be staged at Saratoga on Saturday. The Fourstardave Stakes has typically been won by a high-class runner, with Casa Creed winning two editions in back-to-back years in 2022 and 2023 for William Mott. This year’s renewal looks like a more competitive edition than in previous years.

Johannes will be a likely favorite for the Tim Yakteen yard, despite arguably his best win to date coming over further than a mile in the G2 San Gabriel Stakes last December. However, the five-year-old does have winning form over a mile, which includes a success in last year’s G1 Shoemaker Mile. Demands huge respect after finishing second in the Breeders’ Cup Turf last year. But, could be vulnerable after a break.

Deterministic has been in red-hot form this year, and he made a winning start in the Miguel Clement yard last month when seeing off Integration to win the G1 Manhattan Stakes over a mile and one furlong. Drops back to a mile this weekend, but he was beaten by Neat on his latest start over the trip in the G3 Manila Stakes last year.

Win For The Money shouldn’t be underestimated for trainer Mark Casse this weekend after an improved third in the G3 Kelso Stakes over course and distance last time out. But, he has three lengths to find on Think Big, who once again reposes on Saturday.

My Boy Prince also represents the same connections, and is a fascinating runner now back up to a mile. He made his return with a solid second over six furlongs at Woodbine, but his early speed could ensure that this is a stamina test for the field.

Fourstardave Stakes Picks

Luis Saez has won three of the last five editions of the Fourstardave Stakes, and Think Big could extend that winning record. The Godolphin-owned gelding for trainer Michael Stidham was a battling winner on his first start over a mile earlier this month, beating Intellect by a length in the G3 Kelso Stakes.

There should be further improvement on the cards this weekend following that success over course and distance.