Race Recaps World Approval Yields to No One in G1 Fourstardave August 12, 2017 Race Recaps World Approval Yields to No One in G1 Fourstardave August 12, 2017 By: Curtis "Magic" Kalleward twitteremail Share: share on facebook share on twitter share on linkedin email this article SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – The yielding turf was exactly what World Approval wanted on Saturday, relishing it to take the Grade 1, $500,000 Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga Race Course. The 5-year-old gelding tracked the initial pace set by the field’s only filly, Sassy Little Lila, through fractions of :24.64, :49.86, and 1:14.46. Jockey Manny Franco coaxed World Approval four-wide into the upper stretch, rallying past his foes to take the lead and complete the mile-long turf race in 1:37.65. Winning over less-than-firm turf wasn’t new to the Live Oak homebred. He previously took the Grade 2 Longines Dixie in May and the Grade 1 United Nations in 2016 over courses rated good. “He handled the ground really well,” said Franco. “I saw on paper that he had been on this kind of turf before and he ran really well. I feel so lucky right now. I want to thank the trainer for giving me the opportunity.” Time Test rallied late to get second, 2 1/4 lengths behind the winner. After running in second for the entire trip, Ballagh Rocks slowed near the end but held on for third. Disco Partner, the world record-holder for a 6 furlong turf race, wasn’t able to get good footing on the soft turf and finished fourth. Sassy Little Lila was fifth, while America Patriot had an awkard start and never improved from sixth. Weekend Hideaway was a main-track-only entry. New Subscriber Bonus: Access our Top 10 Wagering Angles in Racing to see exactly what we look for when opening up the past performances. The Fourstardave was the first aboard the Mark Casse trainee for Franco. Regular rider Julien Leparoux was racing at Arlington Park for the weekend. “We couldn’t get Julien, and I said to Norman (his son and assistant), ‘We’re going to win the Fourstardave, and I’m not sure who’s going to ride him,'” said Casse. It turned out to be Manny; he impresses me. You couldn’t have asked him to ride a horse any better. The only instruction I told him was that (World Approval) likes a target. That was one of the reasons we cut him back to a mile, because we thought if we could win the Breeders’ Cup Mile or have a shot anywhere, it would be a mile. When you run him farther, he doesn’t get a target; shorter, there’s more speed. He got a target (today) and it looked like he loved it.” World Approval returned $12.60 to win, $5.10 to place, and $3.60 to show. Time Test brought back $3.40 to place and $3.10 to show, while Ballagh Rocks paid $3.80 to show.
Kentucky Derby 2025 Prep Picks: Florida Derby & Arkansas Derby | Blinkers Off 712 The Racing Dudes preview the two major 2025 Kentucky Derby… Read More
Florida Derby, Arkansas Derby, and Sweet 16 PICKS | Dudes Who Bet Sports 232 Aaron and Papa Dude give their picks for the Arkansas… Read More
Louisiana Derby 2025 Preview and Saturday Rapid-Fire Picks | Blinkers Off 711 The Racing Dudes preview and give picks for the $1… Read More
Fair Grounds Preview & FREE Pick 5 Bets | The Magic Mike Show 584 The Magic Mike Show guys preview Fair Grounds Race Course… Read More
March Madness BRACKET Reaction & PICKS | Dudes Who Bet Sports 231 Aaron and Papa Dude react to the NCAA men’s basketball… Read More
Get Blue Grass Stakes, Wood Memorial & Santa Anita Derby Picks in Betting Bible Get the 2025 Blue Grass Stakes Betting Bible, featuring the EXACT race-by-race wagering… Read More
Santa Anita Derby Picks and Preview 2025 | Kentucky Derby Prep Race Aaron previews the 2025 Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita… Read More
Wood Memorial Picks and Preview 2025 | Kentucky Derby Prep Race Aaron previews the 2025 Wood Memorial at Aqueduct & gives… Read More
Kentucky Derby 2025 Latest News & Top 5 | Major Contenders Rising to the Top Aaron recaps all the action from last weekend, including the… Read More
Triple Crown 2025 Racing Dudes Fantasy League Update: Last Major Prep Races Loom Large Each week, get the standings, power rankings, and recent transactions for… Read More