A strong group of contenders has been assembled for the $750,000 FanDuel Fourstardave Stakes, a Grade 1 competition set for Saturday at Saratoga Race Course. This one-mile turf event presents a “Win and You’re In” opportunity for the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile Presented by Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund, scheduled for November 1 as a Grade 1 race.
The lineup showcases several Grade 1 victors. #3 Johannes (5-2) achieved victory in five of his six races during the previous year, with his only defeat occurring in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, where he finished second. #7 Spirit of St Louis (6-1) has demonstrated his closing speed with triumphs in the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational Stakes Presented by Qatar Racing and the Grade 1 Old Forester Bourbon Turf Classic earlier in the current year. #8 Deterministic (9-2) is coming off a wire-to-wire victory in the Grade 1 Resorts World Casino Manhattan Stakes.
However, my selection leans towards a horse that has yet to secure a Grade 1 win: #4 Think Big (6-1), a homebred from Godolphin, boasting an impressive record of five wins in six turf races. By selecting against the more established favorites, we open the door for potentially larger betting rewards.
Think Big displayed his aptitude as a turf sprinter during the spring season, notching consecutive victories in the Grade 2 Valvoline Global Shakertown Stakes and the Grade 2 Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes Presented by Accenture. However, following a less-than-stellar seventh-place finish in the Grade 1 Jaipur Stakes, trainer Michael Stidham opted to extend Think Big’s distance to one mile in Saratoga’s Grade 3 Kelso Stakes.
The outcome was noteworthy. Think Big encountered some traffic congestion around the final turn, necessitating a wait for clear running room. Nevertheless, once an opening presented itself between competitors, he surged through to secure a one-length victory, clocking a swift time of 1:32.81. According to the Equibase GPS result chart, Think Big completed his final quarter-mile in a blazing :22.48.
The speed exhibited by Think Big during his sprinting endeavors proved advantageous in the Kelso, providing him with an exceptional burst of acceleration down the homestretch. He possesses a strong likelihood of replicating a similar journey while breaking from post-position 4 in the Fourstardave. If he conserves ground behind the early pace-setters and identifies a seam turning for home, Think Big has the potential to elevate his record racing one mile to a flawless 2-for-2.
It is improbable that Think Big will commence as the Fourstardave favorite, affording horseplayers operating with a modest budget the opportunity to realize a respectable return through a win wager. Nonetheless, incorporating Think Big at the forefront of exacta and trifecta tickets holds the promise of an even more substantial payout.
Recommended Bets with a $10 Budget
$10 to win on #4 Think Big
Instructions for the betting clerk: Saratoga, Race 8, $10 to win on 4
Recommended Bets with a $30 Budget
$15 to win on #4 Think Big
Instructions for the betting clerk: Saratoga, Race 8, $15 to win on 4
$4 exacta: 4 with 3,7,8 (total cost: $12)
Instructions for the betting clerk: Saratoga, Race 8, $4 exacta 4 with 3,7,8
$0.50 trifecta: 4 with 3,7,8 with 3,7,8 (total cost: $3)
Instructions for the betting clerk: Saratoga, Race 8, $0.50 trifecta 4 with 3,7,8 with 3,7,8
Best of luck, and enjoy the race!
