The Rivalry Resumes: Why the Always a Runner vs. Counting Stars Rematch is More Than Just a Race
There’s something electric about a rivalry in sports, and horse racing is no exception. When Always a Runner and Counting Stars face off again in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga, it’s not just another race—it’s a narrative unfolding. These two 3-year-old fillies have already traded blows in the Kentucky Oaks and Acorn Stakes, and their rematch feels like the climax of a trilogy. But what makes this particularly fascinating is how their stories intersect with broader trends in the sport: the rise of young talent, the strategic brilliance of their trainers, and the psychological drama of redemption.
The Battle of the Titans: What’s at Stake?
On paper, this is a rubber match between two exceptional fillies. Always a Runner, the Kentucky Oaks winner, stumbled in the Acorn, while Counting Stars surged to victory. But here’s the thing: races aren’t just about who crosses the finish line first. They’re about momentum, form, and the intangible X-factor that separates good horses from great ones.
Personally, I think Always a Runner’s defeat in the Acorn was less about her ability and more about her recovery from the Oaks. Chad Brown’s comment that she was ‘a little off her best’ rings true—it’s a classic case of a horse still finding her rhythm after a grueling race. What many people don’t realize is that the Kentucky Oaks is one of the toughest races for fillies, both physically and mentally. To bounce back and compete at this level is a testament to her resilience.
Counting Stars, on the other hand, is on an upward trajectory. Mark Casse’s confidence in her is palpable, and for good reason. She’s a filly who seems to be peaking at the right time. But here’s the kicker: can she maintain that dominance against a rival who might be back to her best? This isn’t just a race—it’s a psychological duel.
The Trainers’ Chess Game
What makes this matchup even more intriguing is the strategic brilliance of Brown and Casse. Both trainers are bringing additional fillies to the CCA Oaks, adding layers of complexity to the race. Brown’s Directive and Casse’s Measure are wildcards, each with their own stories of growth and potential.
Directive, a half-sister to Grade 1 winners, is a horse I’ve been watching closely. Brown’s description of her as a ‘work in progress’ is spot-on. She’s a tall, elegant filly still growing into her frame, and her mental maturity is as impressive as her physical talent. If you take a step back and think about it, her journey mirrors the challenges many young athletes face—finding balance between raw ability and disciplined focus.
Measure, meanwhile, is a horse who’s been flying under the radar. Casse believes she’s better suited for longer distances, which makes her inclusion here a calculated risk. What this really suggests is that Casse sees this race as a stepping stone to bigger things, like the Alabama Stakes. It’s a long-game strategy that speaks to his confidence in her potential.
The Dark Horses: Dandona and La Rascasse
While Always a Runner and Counting Stars dominate the headlines, it’s the dark horses that could steal the show. Dandona, making her dirt debut, is a wildcard in every sense. Saffie Joseph Jr.’s decision to switch her to dirt is bold, but it’s not without reason. Her stamina and pedigree suggest she could be a sleeper pick. One thing that immediately stands out is her versatility—she’s already proven herself on turf, and if she takes to dirt, she could be a game-changer.
La Rascasse, on the other hand, is a filly on the rise. Her stakes win at Churchill Downs was impressive, and her pedigree screams talent. But here’s the question: can she handle the step up in class? In my opinion, she’s the kind of horse who thrives under pressure, and her presence adds an element of unpredictability to the race.
The Broader Implications: What This Race Tells Us About the Sport
This race isn’t just about the horses—it’s a microcosm of the sport’s evolution. The CCA Oaks is a test of not just speed and stamina, but also strategy and adaptability. What many people don’t realize is that horse racing is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. The trainers’ decisions, the jockeys’ tactics, and the horses’ responses all play into the outcome.
From my perspective, this race is a reminder of why we love this sport. It’s about the stories, the rivalries, and the moments that take our breath away. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a casual observer, this matchup has something for everyone.
Final Thoughts: Why This Race Matters
As we count down to the CCA Oaks, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. This isn’t just another race—it’s a chapter in the ongoing saga of Always a Runner and Counting Stars. Will Always a Runner reclaim her throne, or will Counting Stars solidify her dominance? Or will one of the dark horses surprise us all?
What makes this particularly fascinating is the way it connects to larger trends in the sport. It’s a race that highlights the talent of young fillies, the strategic brilliance of their trainers, and the unpredictability that makes horse racing so compelling.
If you take a step back and think about it, this race is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the sport itself. And that’s why, personally, I’ll be watching with bated breath.
