The Rivalry Resumes: Why Always a Runner vs. Counting Stars is More Than Just a Race
There’s something electric about a rematch, especially when it involves two titans of the track like Always a Runner and Counting Stars. These 3-year-old fillies aren’t just horses; they’re narratives in motion, each carrying the weight of their trainers’ reputations and the dreams of their owners. When they clash again at the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) on July 25th, it’s not just about who crosses the finish line first—it’s about legacy, strategy, and the unpredictable beauty of horse racing.
The Psychology of a Rematch
What makes this particularly fascinating is the psychological layer beneath the surface. Always a Runner, the Kentucky Oaks winner, stumbled in the Acorn Stakes, where Counting Stars dominated with a 3 3/4-length victory. Personally, I think this loss wasn’t just a defeat for Always a Runner; it was a wake-up call. Chad Brown, her trainer, hinted that she might have been recovering from her Oaks triumph, but I suspect there’s more to it. Horses, like athletes, have mental games. Did she underestimate Counting Stars? Or was it a momentary lapse in focus?
On the flip side, Counting Stars’ victory wasn’t just a fluke. Mark Casse, her trainer, believes she’s only getting better. But here’s the thing: in racing, dominance can breed complacency. If Counting Stars assumes she’s the clear favorite, she might leave an opening for Always a Runner to exploit. This isn’t just a race; it’s a chess match between two master trainers and their star pupils.
The New Contenders: Directive and Measure
One thing that immediately stands out is the inclusion of Directive and Measure, both trained by Brown and Casse, respectively. These fillies are like wildcards in a high-stakes game. Directive, a half-sister to Grade 1 winners, is still finding her footing, but Brown’s confidence in her maturation is telling. What many people don’t realize is that horses like Directive often thrive under pressure, especially when they’re part of a pedigree known for excellence.
Measure, on the other hand, is a long-distance specialist in the making. Casse sees her future in the Alabama Stakes (G1), but her lack of early speed could be her Achilles’ heel here. If you take a step back and think about it, her presence in this race is less about winning and more about testing her limits. It’s a strategic move by Casse, one that could pay dividends down the line.
The Dark Horses: Dandona and La Rascasse
What this race really suggests is that the spotlight isn’t just on the rematch. Dandona, making her dirt debut, is a wildcard worth watching. Saffie Joseph Jr. believes she has the stamina to compete, but the transition from turf to dirt is no small feat. Personally, I’m intrigued by her potential, but I’m also skeptical. Turf and dirt are like two different sports, and not every horse makes the switch seamlessly.
La Rascasse, meanwhile, is the underdog with something to prove. Her stakes win at Churchill Downs was impressive, but this field is a different beast. What makes her particularly interesting is her lineage—a daughter of Authentic, a horse known for his explosive speed. If she can channel that energy, she could be the surprise package of the race.
The Broader Implications
This raises a deeper question: What does this race mean for the divisional Eclipse Award? Always a Runner and Counting Stars are the frontrunners, but a third victory for either could cement their status as the best 3-year-old filly in the nation. From my perspective, this race isn’t just about the $500,000 purse; it’s about history.
What’s also worth noting is the strategic brilliance of Brown and Casse. By entering second fillies, they’re not just hedging their bets—they’re shaping the race dynamics. Directive and Measure could set the pace, tire out the competition, and create an opening for their stablemates. It’s a tactical masterclass, and I’m here for it.
The Human Element
A detail that I find especially interesting is the role of the jockeys. Irad Ortiz Jr. on Counting Stars and Jose L. Ortiz on Always a Runner are brothers, adding another layer of rivalry. Sibling competition in a high-stakes race? That’s the kind of drama you can’t script.
Final Thoughts
If you ask me, this race is more than a rematch—it’s a microcosm of horse racing itself. It’s about resilience, strategy, and the unpredictable nature of competition. Always a Runner and Counting Stars are the headliners, but the supporting cast could steal the show.
Personally, I think Always a Runner will bounce back with a vengeance. But in racing, as in life, nothing is certain. What I do know is that this race will be one for the history books. So, grab your popcorn, place your bets, and prepare for a spectacle. Because when these fillies hit the track, it’s not just a race—it’s a story unfolding, one stride at a time.
