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SARGA.CO - Deterministic continued his auspicious running form at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday, 8 August, with a successful defence of his title in the G1 Fourstardave Stakes. 

Run for a $750,000 purse, the Fourstardave is one of the major summer turf races for older horses in the US - the winner auto-qualifying for the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Keeneland on 31 October. 

On the Saratoga track, Mi Bago led through the opening quarter-mile, with Deterministic tracking closely in second and Lagynos racing third. While Mi Bago continued to lead through six furlongs, Deterministic remained within striking distance throughout, conserving his energy for the decisive stage.

Turning for home, Carmouche moved Deterministic three-wide and began to apply pressure. Mi Bago attempted to respond, while Zulu Kingdom tried to make his move along the inside before being forced to alter course when the gap closed. 

Deterministic, however, had already found another gear; accelerating through the final furlong and pulling clear to win by 1½ lengths. The final time was 1:35.07.

Trainer Miguel Clement emphasised Deterministic's special versatility, noting that the horse can perform over a range of distances and under very different racing conditions. 

“He can run a mile to a mile and a quarter; in the bog or firm; speed-favoring or playing towards closers. He’s just special because he overcomes these barriers consistently and overcomes these variables and everything and delivers time and time again. That’s why, without a doubt, he’s the leader of the division for the past 2 years,” he explained, as quoted by NYRA.

Clement admitted that the amount of rain had been a concern before the race, but once again his star runner found a way to overcome the circumstances.

For Carmouche, the win was another milestone in an incredibly fruitful partnership, marking six career G1s for himself with four of them aboard Deterministic. The champion horse in turn earns a sixth consecutive graded stakes triumph.

“What an amazing horse. He made my career,” Carmouche proclaimed, quoted by Blood-Horse. “He's the best horse I ever rode in my life. I hope I get many more, but I will be very pleased with just having this one. Miguel and his owners, his barn, his gallop hands, his groom, hotwalkers, they deserve all the credit.”

With Deterministic’s Fourstardave victory and a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Mile, the reigning Fourstardave champion has another opportunity to establish himself as North America’s top turf miler.

"The way he moves is unlike any other horse we've ever had in our stables," Clement expressed, quoted by Yahoo Sports. "He's the most efficient mover there is. Mentally, he's got that great disposition to just want to win. If you ever watch a horse reach as much as he does and how willing he is, he doesn't like his job - he loves his job.”

Before the Breeders' Cup, however, the team is considering another G1 target to extend the horse’s win streak and to test his ability. Clement indicated that the Woodbine Mile in Toronto on 12 September is his preferred next stop, though he will discuss the campaign with Deterministic's connections before making a final decision.