West Point Thoroughbreds’ Counting Stars, who has secured consecutive Grade 1 victories in the 3-year-old filly category this spring and summer, aims to strengthen her championship prospects by facing off against four older fillies and mares in the 71st edition of the $650,000 Juddmonte Spinster (G1) on Sunday.
The Juddmonte Spinster also features 2024 champion 2-year-old filly Immersive and Grade 1 winner Fully Subscribed, making it one of three stakes events scheduled for the final day of the 25th Fall Stars Weekend. This marquee weekend marks the beginning of the 17-day Fall Meet with three stakes races on Friday and five on Saturday.
In addition to the Spinster, Sunday’s lineup includes:
The 36th running of the $400,000 Castle & Key Bourbon (G2), which boasts a competitive field of 11. The frontrunner is Bold Leadership from Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable, who has come close in his last two outings, including the With Anticipation (G3).
The ninth edition of the $350,000 Indian Summer (G3) Presented by Keeneland Select, featuring nine entrants. Leading this group is the undefeated Wood Island of Smart Choice Stable, fresh off a win in Saratoga’s Skidmore.
Below are the fields for Sunday’s three stakes races, presented with trainers, jockeys, and weights from the inside post outward:
Race 8, 5:10 p.m. — $350,000 Indian Summer (L) Presented by Keeneland Select, 2-year-olds, 5½ furlongs (turf):
- Adonius, Rebecca Menzies, John Velazquez
- Fanshell Beach, Wesley Ward, Jose Ortiz
- Cactus Closer, Dale Romans, Junior Alvarado
- Crack On, Jimmy Corrigan, Danny Sheehy
- Love a Warrior, Steve Asmussen, Luis Saez
- Ciarlatano, Brittany Vanden Berg, Chris Emigh
- Wood Island, George Weaver, Flavien Prat
- Ruiva, Wesley Ward, Irad Ortiz Jr
- Bee Crazy, Kelsey Danner, Tyler Gaffalione
Race 9, 5:45 p.m. — $650,000 Juddmonte Spinster (G1), 3-year-olds and up, fillies and mares, 1 1/8 miles:
- Regaled, Whit Beckman, Tyler Gaffalione
- Counting Stars, Mark Casse, Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Immersive, Brad Cox, Jose Ortiz
- Fully Subscribed, Chad Brown, Flavien Prat
- Snowyte, Danny Gargan, Luis Saez
Race 10, 6:20 p.m. — $400,000 Castle & Key Bourbon (G2), 2-year-olds, 1 1/16 miles (turf):
- Trim Castle, John Ennis, Danny Sheehy
- Agate, Kelsey Danner, Tyler Gaffalione
- Bold Leadership, Todd Pletcher, Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Heracles, Ronald Spatz, Luis Saez
- Real Goodbar, Kenny McPeek, Jose Ortiz
- Popcorn, Jonathan Thomas, Axel Concepcion
- Mad Mo, John Ennis, Alex Achard
- Hemingway, Brad Cox, Flavien Prat
- Blaring Ambition, Mike Maker, John Velazquez
- Let Em Know, Whit Beckman, Ben Curtis
- Mid American, James DiVito, Jaime Torres
This report was originally published by Paulick Report on September 29, 2026, in the News section. You can add Paulick Report as a preferred source by clicking here.
Fan Take: This lineup encapsulates the rising talent and thrilling competition that continue to elevate horse racing’s allure. With top contenders vying for prestigious “Win and You’re In” spots for the Breeders’ Cup, Sunday’s races not only shape this season’s champions but also hint at the future stars who will drive the sport’s excitement forward.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
