The Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga Race Course on July 25, 2026, promises an intriguing showdown between two formidable fillies: Always a Runner and Counting Stars. These fillies have already engaged in a thrilling rivalry, trading blows in the Kentucky Oaks and Acorn Stakes earlier this spring. Now, they're set to face off once again, with both trainers confident in their horses' peak form. Chad Brown, trainer of Always a Runner, acknowledges that his filly might have been slightly off her best in the Acorn, citing the Kentucky Oaks as a potential factor. However, he's optimistic about her resurgence, emphasizing her recent training progress. Mark Casse, trainer of Counting Stars, shares a similar sentiment, praising his filly's ongoing improvement and suggesting that Always a Runner's performance in the Acorn may have been subpar. The rivalry between these two fillies is intensifying, and the upcoming race is expected to be a closely contested battle for early favoritism in the divisional Eclipse Award race.
Beyond the main event, the race also features a diverse field of fillies, each with their own unique story. Dandona, trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., makes her dirt debut after a successful grass career. She's a Tiz the Law filly with a strong stamina profile, and Joseph believes she can excel on dirt if she takes to the surface. La Rascasse, another promising filly, has already secured a stakes win in just two lifetime starts, showcasing her early potential. The remaining entrants, Nycon, Zany, and Miss Fulton Gal, are also worth watching, with trainers making last-minute decisions regarding their race assignments.
The Coaching Club American Oaks is a Grade I race over 1 1/8 miles on dirt, offering a $500,000 purse. The race is set to take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Saratoga Race Course, with a post time of 5:45 PM (local). The field includes a mix of experienced and promising fillies, each bringing their own unique strengths and stories to the track. The race is shaping up to be a captivating spectacle, with the potential for upsets and surprises, as these fillies battle for glory and the coveted divisional title.
