Trainer Mark Casse's formidable string of thoroughbreds is making headlines as they prepare for a series of high-profile stakes races at Saratoga. The stable, known for its consistent performance, recently celebrated a significant victory with And One More Time and is now strategically mapping out future engagements for several promising contenders, including the undefeated juvenile Pierette and stakes-bound runners Blinging It Back and Vissino. This period marks a pivotal moment for Casse's barn, showcasing their depth and ambition on the competitive racing circuit.
And One More Time, a graded stakes winner and daughter of Omaha Beach, delivered a commanding performance in the De La Rose, a restricted listed mile race for older fillies and mares. Ridden expertly by Hall of Famer John Velazquez, she led from start to finish, securing her second stakes win of the year with a 1 1/4-length advantage over Hang the Moon. Her final time of 1:34.26 and a Beyer Speed Figure of 93, matching her career best from a fifth-place finish in the Just a Game Stakes (G1), underscore her impressive form. Following this triumph, Casse confirmed that And One More Time is slated to compete in the $300,000 Ballston Spa (G2), a 1 1/16-mile contest scheduled for August 22.
The stable's juvenile star, Pierette, continues to build on her perfect record. This $475,000 Keeneland September Yearling Sale acquisition, sired by Girvin and out of the Pulpit mare Praising, made a winning debut in May at Churchill Downs. She followed that with a 1 1/2-length victory in the listed Debutante on June 28. Casse expressed high hopes for the filly, noting, 'She just gets better and better. I think she has the potential to be a pretty good horse. She's beautiful. A big, strong filly.' Pierette's dam also produced stakes winner Camp Hope and the dual group-placed Shin Forever, indicating a strong pedigree.
Meanwhile, other Casse-trained horses are also making their presence felt. Blinging It Back, owned by Gary Barber and Peter Deutsch, recently worked a half-mile in 48.6 seconds on the Oklahoma training turf. This son of Volatile, who secured a second-place finish in the restricted listed Saranac on July 3, is being pointed towards the $400,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame (G2) on August 7. Additionally, Vissino and Harbaugh, two other prospects, completed a half-mile in 49.8 seconds. Vissino, having previously finished second in the Sanford (G3), is now set to race in the 5 1/2-furlong Skidmore for juveniles on August 27, marking his first start on turf. Harbaugh, who debuted on dirt, is also being prepared for a maiden turf outing.
The Casse barn has enjoyed a remarkable year, accumulating 33 stakes victories, including 11 graded stakes and three Grade 1 wins at Saratoga. This consistent success underscores their strategic training and careful placement of horses, positioning them as a dominant force in thoroughbred racing. The upcoming races at Saratoga will provide further opportunities for these promising horses to shine and add to the stable's impressive record.