Deep Satin and Ozara, who won the two divisions of the Dela Rose Stakes on July 10th at Saratoga, are set to compete in the $300,000 Ballston Spa Stakes (Grade 2) this Friday, which is a 1 1/16 mile turf race at Saratoga Race Course.
Deep Satin, owned by John Gunther and bred by EuroWest Bloodstock Services, won the first division of the Dela Rose, a one-mile race for older mares and those yet to earn 2024-’25 ratings. The four-year-old American Bay mare, trained by Cherie Devaux and ridden by Jose Ortiz, finished with a neck victory in 1:35.49, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 88. Devaux noted Deep Satin’s progress and said she deserved this next step in graded stakes competition. Deep Satin had previously won the Virginia Oaks (L) at Colonial Downs and showed improvement since her last race, making her a strong contender for the Ballston Spa.
Ozara, bred by Cheyenne Stubble and trained by Miguel Clement, claimed the second division of the Dela Rose, winning by half a length in a competitive New York-bred field. The four-year-old Bay mare by Irish Breeding, ridden by Dylan Davis, posted a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 90. Clement praised her consistent improvement and toughness, making her one to watch in the Ballston Spa. Ozara holds a 12-6-2-2 record and has also won at Gulfstream Park, including the Ginger Brew Stakes (L).
Both Deep Satin and Ozara have perfect records on Saratoga’s turf and will face tough competition, including Chad Brown’s entries Whiskey Decision and Maggie Go, who are both aiming for Brown’s record ninth Ballston Spa win. Brown’s other past winners include stars like Lady Eli and Zagora. Stakes winner Be Best (IRE), trained by Saffie Joseph Jr., along with No Mo Candy and dual Argentine Group 1 winner Edict, complete a deep and competitive field. The race promises to be an exciting test of top-level female turf talent at Saratoga.
Fan Take: This upcoming Ballston Spa Stakes is shaping up to be a thrilling showdown featuring proven turf mares on the rise, offering fans a glimpse of the next stars in female turf racing. The depth and quality of this field highlight the growing strength and competitiveness in North American turf racing, which keeps the sport vibrant and exciting for enthusiasts.
