Classic Q Aims for Second Straight Saratoga Victory in Lake George

Classic Q Aims for Back-to-Back Stakes Wins at Saratoga

Hugh Dailey, Gary Barber, and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Classic Q are set to compete in the $175,000 Lake George (G3) at Saratoga Race Course this Saturday. The 1 1/16-mile inner turf race is a key event for sophomore fillies, and Classic Q is looking to extend her winning streak.

Trained by dual Hall of Famer Mark Casse, the Classic Empire gray has shown strong form in recent races. Her most recent victory came in the Wild Applause (L) on July 3, where she took the lead from the start and maintained it throughout the race. Under jockey Jose Ortiz, she covered splits of 23.34 seconds, 46.46, and 1:10.25 before finishing with a final time of 1:33.21. She managed to hold off Play With Fire, who made a late push, by half a length.

Casse expressed satisfaction with the performance, which earned a career-best 87 Beyer Speed Figure. However, he noted that he doesn’t necessarily believe his filly needs to be on the lead. “There wasn't any speed in the race last time. I prefer and I think Jose prefers to try and get her to settle,” Casse said. He also mentioned that the race will be slightly longer, but the team will evaluate the strategy accordingly.

Classic Q, starting from post 5, has had a varied racing history. She began her career at Gulfstream Park, making her debut in January and later competing in the Grade 3 Hurricane Bertie, where she narrowly missed a podium finish. After a fourth-place effort in the Sanibel Island (L), she returned to winning form with a decisive victory at Churchill Downs.

Other Contenders in the Lake George

Chad Brown, a five-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer, is aiming for an eighth win in the Lake George with two of his top contenders from the Wild Applause: Play With Fire and Lavender Disaster. Brown has previously won the event with horses like Mrs McDougal, Ancient Secret, and others, making him a strong presence in the race.

Play With Fire, trained by Brendan Walsh and now under Brown’s care, has a solid record. She captured the Listed Hilltop in May, showcasing her ability to rally from behind. Lavender Disaster, another contender, has won two of her four starts and recently finished third in the Wild Applause after a strong showing in a one-mile allowance race.

Daisy Flyer, owned by LSU Stables, is also a notable entrant. Trained by Rusty Arnold, she has shown promise despite some setbacks. Arnold highlighted her potential, noting that her 2-year-old year was better than it appeared. Daisy Flyer is out of the Galileo mare Starstruck and is a half-sister to several stakes-placed horses.

Additional Competitors

The field includes several other high-quality horses. Reining Flowers, trained by John Ortiz, and Pretty Lavish, under Graham Motion, have both placed in stakes races. Princess Attitude, trained by Victoria Oliver, and Good Long Cry, under George Weaver, are also strong contenders. Aterradora and Pookie, both maiden winners, add depth to the competition.

Each horse brings unique strengths and strategies to the race, making the Lake George a highly anticipated event. With a mix of experienced trainers and promising young talent, the race is expected to be competitive and exciting for fans.

As the race approaches, all eyes will be on Classic Q and her chances to secure back-to-back stakes wins. Whether she leads from the front or settles in behind, her performance will be closely watched. The outcome could shape the future of her racing career and set the stage for more successes in the coming season.