Counting Stars makes it look easy in Fantasy

The $1 million Fantasy (G2) on Friday lost some luster when the expected heavy favorite, Explora, was scratched after spiking a fever. Nonetheless, fans at Oaklawn Park were still treated to a dominating performance by an odds-on favorite.

Inheriting the role as the public's choice in the Fantasy was Counting Stars, a rallying second to Explora in the Honeybee (G3) earlier this month. She made the most of it.

Stalking right behind 41-1 outsider Empath, Counting Stars took over from that rival approaching the far turn and then kicked clear of her rivals in upper stretch. Under Francisco Arrieta, Counting Stars strolled home a 5 1/2-length winner at odds of 9-10.

"She really trained good up to this race. I was expecting a big effort from her," said Mark Casse, who trains Counting Stars for West Point Thoroughbreds.

Counting Stars covered 1 1/16 miles over a fast track in 1:44.47 and paid $3.80.

Casse also trained the runner-up Search Party, who finished more than nine lengths ahead of Taken by the Wind. The strung-out field was completed by Sticker Shock and Empath.

"I think Search Party is really going to like the added distance (of the Kentucky Oaks [G1]) and Churchill Downs," Casse said.

After the Fantasy field was reduced to five with the scratch of Explora, only 75% of the allotted Kentucky Oaks qualifying points were awarded. Counting Stars earned 75, boosting her total to 100.

Search Party earned 30 points, boosting her total to 67.5. Taken by the Wind earned 22.5 points and now has 48.75, Sticker Shock secured 15 points, and Empath 7.5 points.

The Fantasy was the fourth win in seven starts for Counting Stars, and the third stakes for her during the Oaklawn meet. She had previously captured the one-mile Year's End S. in late December, preceded two weeks earlier by the restricted Astral Spa Overnight S. over six furlongs.

By Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner Honor A. P., the Kentucky-bred Counting Stars is the first foal produced by Paynterbynumbers, a daughter of Paynter. This female family also produced 2018 Fantasy (G3) winner Sassy Sienna.