It was a race for the guaranteed spot in the GI Kentucky Oaks, and Counting Stars (Honor A.P.) will be doing just that at Churchill Downs after she strolled home to a dominating score in the GII Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park.Content to watch Empath (Preservationist) as that one led through an opening fraction of :24.07, Counting Stars was never far behind that leader and overtook the pacesetter after a half in :48.69. As that rival steadily lost ground, Counting Stars was cruising as they turned into the lane and opened up a big lead after six panels in 1:13.68.Never in any serious pressure late, the striking daughter of Honor A.P. strolled home in 1:44.47 to collect her 75 Kentucky Oaks points. Search Party (Gun Runner) ran on to claim second–giving trainer Mark Casse the exacta–as Taken by the Wind (Rock Your World) held third.Jockey Francisco Arrieta won both stakes and four races on the Friday program. Likely favorite Explora (Blame) was scratched from the race earlier in the week after a brief fever, and will reportedly train up to the Kentucky Oaks.Sales history: $13,000 Ylg '24 KEESEP; $150,000 2yo '25 OBSAPR. O-West Point Thoroughbreds; B-HRH Prince Sultan Bin Mishal Al Saud (KY); T-Mark Casse. Huge day for jockey @jockeyfarrieta!#3 COUNTING STARS rolled away from the field in the $1 million Fantasy Stakes (G2) at @OaklawnRacing. The @markecasse-trainee is a daughter of @LanesEndFarms Honor A. P. pic.twitter.com/rf3FwRj8ZH— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) March 27, 2026The post Counting Stars is Counting Down the Days to Louisville with Fantasy Romp appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.