By J.N. Campbell
HOT SPRINGS, Ark.–Bearing witness to Thoropedo Anna (Fast Anna) putting on a show down the stretch at Oaklawn Park in the 2024 edition of the GII Fantasy Stakes before she became a champion was a special moment in her career.
The track will honor the now-retired mare on Friday with a bobblehead giveaway, which in no uncertain terms equals immortality.
On Friday in Hot Springs, the latest batch of 3-year-old fillies will take to the track in the Fantasy and chase a cut of the $1 million purse, plus a shot at Kentucky Oaks points for their respective banks.
The big news midweek was the scratch of 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard', Explora (Blame), who unfortunately came down with a fever for trainer Bob Baffert and will point to the Oaks next month. That leaves a handful of runners in the starting gate.
When it comes to favoritism West Point Thoroughbreds filly Counting Stars (Honor A.P.) will most certainly strike the fancy of many a bettor. The Mark Casse trainee won her debut at Churchill Downs last September and shipped in to claim a pair of stakes at Oaklawn in December.
“Every indication is she is (going to run well again), but she makes me hold my breath,” Casse said. “If she comes with her 'A' game, she's going to be tough.”
Counting Stars was last seen serving as the runner-up to Explora in the GIII Honeybee Stakes. She will be joined in the Fantasy by her stablemates Search Party (Gun Runner), the winner of the Martha Washington Stakes, and also by Empath (Preservationist), who is set for her first attempt at a black-type.
Rounding out the field is Florida-bred Taken by the Wind (Rock Your World). Part-owned by former NFL quarterback Terry Bradshaw and trained by Kenny McPeek, the bay has already built a strong resume after she won the GIII Pocahontas Stakes at Churchill and the Silverbulletday Stakes at Fair Grounds. The filly has the chance to rebound from being well-beaten in the Honeybee.
Last but certainly not least is Gary and Mary West homebred Sticker Shock (Uncle Mo). The Brad Cox trainee might be lacking when it comes to stakes experience, but the 3-year-old posted an 87 Beyer when she cleared an optional claimer over the local surface Feb. 26.
“I like her a lot,” said Cox. “I thought her comeback race there was very, very good. I think she needed the race, as well. She got some nice figures out of it. This is a step up, but I think the talent's there. She's a beautiful filly. There's plenty of her. I always thought the longer the better, and I'm hoping she can take the next step Friday that could propel her to the Oaks.”
Like Empath, Sticker Shock will benefit from a four-pound weight reduction.
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