Aspen Grove secured a brilliant victory at the Grade 1 Fasig-Tipton Belmont Oaks Invitational. Now she is geared up to conquer new equestrian heights in Friday’s Grade 3, $400,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks Invitational. Owned and bred by Glen Hill Farm in collaboration with Mrs. John Magnier, this talented filly is ready to take on the 1 3/16-mile Mellon turf test for sophomore fillies at the prestigious Saratoga Race Course.

The Saratoga Oaks marks the second leg of the Fasig-Tipton Fillies Turf Triple series. It commenced with Aspen Grove’s spectacular triumph in the 10-furlong Grade 1, $500,000 Fasig-Tipton Belmont Oaks Invitational at Belmont Park on July 8.

Will Aspen Grove secure another equestrian victory?

Under the expert tutelage of trainer James “Fozzy” Stack, Aspen Grove triumphed with fierce determination in the opening leg of the Turf Triple series. With Oisin Murphy guiding her with precision, she rallied from 4 1/2 lengths behind to collar the pace-setting prerequisite in the final stages, finishing with an impressive time of 2:04.09. This victory marked her first race outside of Europe and earned her a commendable 86 Beyer Speed Figure.

According to the Paulick Report, Craig Bernick of Glen Hill Farm expressed delight in Aspen Grove’s progress, saying, “She seems like she’s done well since her last race. You always worry when they come over how they’re going to adapt, but she obviously did fine at Belmont, and it’s gone according to plan in her training since she’s been there. We’re looking forward to running her again.”

In preparation for Friday’s challenge, Bernick expressed hope for a quicker tempo in the race. He believes that a truer pace will play to Aspen Grove’s strengths and make for a thrilling contest. Papilio, trained by Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse, stands as a formidable rival in the race. Casse has two strong contenders with Belmont Oaks third-place finisher Papilio and the graded stakes-winner Solo Album. Papilio was third in the Belmont Oaks after stumbling at the start. She is a graded stakes winner who has won on both turf and dirt. On the other hand, Solo Album is a graded stakes winner on the turf who has never finished worse than second in four starts at Saratoga. However, apart from these two horses, Aspen Grove will be battling a host of other challengers as well.

Other challengers at Saratoga Oaks

Trainer Joseph O’Brien is also bringing forth a formidable duo of contenders in the thrilling Saratoga Oaks. Leading the European invasion is American Sonja, owned by Mark Dobbin. Fresh from a valiant third-place finish in the Group 3 Darley Irish EBF Brownstown at Fairyhouse, American Sonja is ready to make her U.S. debut with jockey Joel Rosario at the helm. Caroline Street, co-owned by Marc Detampel and Michael Buckley, is another European challenger making her American debut. Though her recent run in the Group 1 Prix de Diane Longines at Chantilly may not have been her best, she showcased her talent with a victory in the 10-furlong Group 3 Blue Wind at Naas.

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The excitement is palpable as Aspen Grove looks to repeat her success and claim another prestigious graded score. With her illustrious victories behind her and the thrill of Saratoga Oaks beckoning, Friday promises an unforgettable showdown of talent and determination.

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