How to Bet the 2024 Fourstardave Handicap

A fine field of six will jaunt one mile on the Saratoga inner turf in Sunday’s $500,000 Fourstardave H. (G1). With the likelihood of a surface that has at least some give to it, I expect the event to come down to the pair of morning-line favorites inside the final furlong. 

Fourstardave Wagers

• $30 exacta 4 with 6 ($30)
  $10 exacta 6 with 4 ($10)

The Chad Brown-trained #4 Carl Spackler (9-5) was super impressive in dominating a pair of graded stakes races in succession at this venue over good turf last season, and I like his game score in the Kelso (G3) in advance of Saturday. 

By Lope de Vega, the four-year-old colt is 5-for-8 in his lifetime. While he has yet to achieve glory at the top level, I do envision him taking a big step forward if the surface is wet. 

The chestnut has very good tactical speed to gain position early behind likely pacesetter #1 Strong Quality and will get first run at the top of the lane with regular pilot Tyler Gaffalione. 

#6 Ottoman Fleet (8-5) is a neck shy of being 3-for-3 in the States this season and is an obvious contender for conditioner Charlie Appleby. The Sea the Stars gelding was a measured winner in both the Arlington S. (G3) and Wise Dan (G2) in his last two appearances, and I like his cut back to one mile for this one. 

This Godolphin homebred has a versatile running style and likely will be in third or fourth early while in touch throughout. Flavien Prat will be in the silks. 

I think highly of Cherie DeVaux’s #7 More Than Looks, who was just two lengths shy in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) in his sophomore finale, but I have concerns about his chances in this particular spot. 

The dark bay son of More Than Ready might need one off a long break, and I’m not sure if he will thrive if there is an excess of moisture in the footing. He’s training swiftly and gets Irad Ortiz Jr., but I’ll let him beat me Saturday.