Mark Casse, the dual Hall of Fame trainer, is brimming with anticipation as he prepares for the upcoming Saratoga Race Course. With two of his horses, Nitrogen and Counting Stars, set to compete in top-level events, Casse is poised to make a significant impact. Nitrogen, a 4-year-old daughter of Medaglia d'Oro, is gearing up for a highly anticipated run against males in the prestigious $1 million Whitney Stakes (G1). This 9-furlong route for 3-year-olds and up will award an automatic berth into the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) in October at Keeneland. Nitrogen's recent works have been impressive, with her third work since a one-sided 12 3/4-length victory in the Ogden Phipps Stakes (G1) posting a time of :48 3/5.
Casse is confident in Nitrogen's abilities, stating, "Nitrogen just had a nice, easy breeze, and I thought she went good. We're going to let her do a little more next week." Nitrogen's sophomore campaign has been remarkable, with local graded scores in the off-the-turf Wonder Again (G3) and the 10-furlong Alabama Stakes (G1). She has also proven her versatility, landing second against elders in the Spinster Stakes (G1) at Keeneland and the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) at Del Mar. Her performance in the Belmont Oaks (G1T) last year, where she came up just shy of Fionn, further showcases her potential.
Counting Stars, a sophomore filly owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, is also making waves. She scored her first top-level victory in the Acorn Stakes (G1) by 3 3/4 lengths over Kentucky Oaks (G1)-winner Always a Runner. The Honor A. P. bay is targeting the $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at 9 furlongs on July 25. Casse is impressed with Counting Stars' progress, noting, "We're at the point where we're not worried too much about fitness anymore. She's in a happy place, and I thought this morning she was magnificent. She continues to amaze me. Nitrogen has already amazed me, but Counting Stars is really starting to act like she's a serious horse."
As for the future, Casse is taking it one step at a time. He emphasizes, "Let's get through this one first." The upcoming Saratoga Race Course events will undoubtedly be a test of these horses' abilities, and Casse's expertise will be crucial in guiding them to success. With Nitrogen's versatility and Counting Stars' potential, the trainer is poised to make a significant impact at Saratoga.
In my opinion, the Saratoga Race Course is a historic and iconic venue, and the upcoming events will be a showcase of the best horses and trainers in the sport. Casse's preparation and confidence in his horses are inspiring, and I am eager to see how they perform on the track. The Whitney Stakes and the Coaching Club American Oaks will be thrilling events, and I am excited to witness the horses' abilities firsthand.
