Filly Counting Stars Secures Coaching Club American Oaks Victory

While the Triple Crown series often captures the bulk of the attention during the spring and summer, the three-year-old filly division has provided its own share of excitement in the 2026 season. Among the standouts is Counting Stars, who delivered a commanding performance in the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga.

Trained by Hall of Fame conditioner Mark Casse, the daughter of Honor A.P. faced off against Kentucky Oaks winner Always A Runner in the mile-and-an-eighth contest. Breaking sharply from the gate under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., Counting Stars set the pace with solid early fractions of 23.86 seconds for the quarter-mile and 47.60 seconds for the half. As the field entered the stretch, Always A Runner mounted a serious challenge, engaging the leader in a neck-and-neck battle. Counting Stars responded with a decisive surge in the final furlong, pulling away to win by 4 ¼ lengths in a stakes-record time of 1:48.98.

Casse, a veteran of over 4,000 career wins, noted his high regard for the filly, revealing that he had even nominated her for the Triple Crown races despite not running her against colts. The decision to focus on the filly ranks appears to be paying dividends. Since her debut at Churchill Downs in September 2025, Counting Stars has compiled a strong record that includes graded stakes victories in the Fantasy Stakes, the Acorn Stakes, and the Coaching Club American Oaks.

The success of horses like Counting Stars highlights the ongoing quality of racing at premier venues such as Saratoga and Churchill Downs. Churchill Downs Incorporated, the operator of the track where Counting Stars debuted, continues to serve as a central hub for the sport’s most significant events for both three-year-olds and older horses. The company, which trades under the ticker CHDN, currently has a market capitalization of approximately $5.84 billion. Shares were recently trading at $89.22, up 1.19% from the previous close.

With the Coaching Club American Oaks victory solidifying her status, Counting Stars remains a prominent contender for year-end honors as the racing season moves toward the Breeders’ Cup.

What to watch

• Upcoming entries for Counting Stars in the Breeders’ Cup.
• Quarterly earnings reports from Churchill Downs Incorporated.

Source: original release