West Point Thoroughbred’s Counting Stars delivered an impressive victory on Saturday at Oaklawn, triumphing in the $150,000 Year’s End Stakes under trainer Mark Casse. The one-mile race for fillies was the highlight of Oaklawn’s fourth annual event dedicated exclusively to 2-year-olds. After securing two top-notch wins in a 10-race lineup, trainer Casse celebrated again as Counting Stars, the 6-5 favorite, won comfortably by six lengths in her first two-turn race with jockey Francisco Arrieta.
Counting Stars, who returned to racing just 13 days after her last race, became the first horse this season at Oaklawn to win back-to-back stakes. She previously won the Astral Spa Stakes on December 14, taking home $135,000 with a four-length victory over six furlongs. In the Year’s End Stakes, Newtown Pike, wearing blinkers for the first time, finished second, just three-quarters of a length behind Scotland Row. Paving, undefeated in her last two outings, came in fourth, followed by Authentic Cat, Copper Wind, Kaboom, Fijirus, and Sticker Shocked.
Starting from post 8, Counting Stars quickly positioned herself as a frontrunner. She surged to the lead on the second turn with a wide move and steadily pulled away, finishing the race in 1 minute 38.68 seconds on the fast track. This win marked Counting Stars’ third victory in four starts, boosting her earnings to $230,606. Bred in Kentucky by Prince Sultan bin Mishal Al Saud, she showed great promise in the 2-year-old division.
Trainer Casse revealed that Counting Stars, a daughter of Honor AP out of Painter Bee Numbers, is set to compete next in the $300,000 Martha Washington Stakes on January 31. This 1 1/16-mile race is the first of three qualifiers for the prestigious Kentucky Oaks (G1), the top 3-year-old filly race held at Oaklawn.
Winning jockey Francisco Arrieta praised Counting Stars’ condition and performance, stating he was initially worried but confident once she relaxed and showed her strength. Trainer Casse commented on her wide running style but hopes that longer races will help her settle down and improve as she gains experience.
Fan Take: This victory by Counting Stars highlights the rising talent in the 2-year-old filly division and sets the stage for an exciting Kentucky Oaks season. For horse racing fans, her promising form and ability to dominate at Oaklawn signal an upcoming star with potential to make a significant impact in the sport.
