If Steve Harvey were to host a Thoroughbred racing edition of "Family Feud" this week after the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), one of the survey questions might be 'Who is the country's leading 3-year-old filly?'
Following the $500,000 race, held July 25 at Saratoga Race Course, the number one answer on the board would undoubtedly be West Point Thoroughbreds' Counting Stars.
READ: Counting Stars Best in Coaching Club American Oaks
At least that's the answer trainer Mark Casse would be hoping to hear while "Family Feud" played on the TV as he lay down to sleep after a long day at the barn, a nightly tradition dating back several years.
"It makes me laugh," Casse said of 'The Feud.' "I'll watch like two minutes of it, take my glasses off and say to (my wife) Tina, 'Goodnight, I love you.' Then I'll lay down and answer two or three questions while I'm going to sleep."
Casse must have slept very well Saturday night, having known his confidence in the continuing progression of Counting Stars was more than justified in the CCA Oaks. Confronted by Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Always a Runner on her inside at the top of the stretch, she battled on and drew away for a 4 1/4-length win under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.
He is likely to sleep even better July 26 after coming in Sunday morning to find the Honor A. P. filly bright and alert in her stall.
"Unbelievable. She could do it again today," Casse said of how she came out of the race. "Irad will tell you there was a lot left."
Casse was not the least bit surprised to get the effort from Counting Stars that he did Saturday afternoon, but what did surprise him was the final time in comparison to other races. With a final time of 1:48.98, she completed 1 1/8 miles .93 seconds faster than Wynstock, who defeated a group of older males in an allowance race four races earlier.
"That surprised me," Casse said. "For a 3-year-old filly to run a second faster going a mile-and-an-eighth than older horses, that's pretty impressive."
The $600,000 Alabama Stakes (G1) sits as the next option for top-level sophomore fillies Aug. 22 at The Spa. Counting Stars will have to stretch out to 1 1/4 miles for the race, but a third consecutive grade 1 victory would likely put her in a near unbeatable position to take home divisional Eclipse Award honors. Still, Casse believes there is room for the filly to get even better.
"She can get better," Casse said. "I had a few people come to me yesterday (before the race) and say she looks like she's bigger and stronger than she was (in the Acorn). I would agree."
Casse has already proven himself as a formidable competitor on the racetrack, as his Hall of Fame enshrinement in both the United States and Canada attests. What he has yet to prove is his ability on the official "Family Feud" stage. Given his years of practice, Casse believes he could perform well—although he stopped short of naming the family members that would join his five-person team in order to avoid his own family feud.
Regardless of those on the stage with him, Casse said he'd want the shot to play in the final 'Fast Money' round.
"I think I might have to do the final round. If we're going there, I'm doing the final round," Casse said. "I think I would (do well). I've thought about it."
