Counting Stars (Honor A. P.) left little doubt who the best 3-year-old filly in the country is with a second straight spectacular performance at the top level in Saturday's GI Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga.Sent to the front by Irad Ortiz, Jr. from her rail draw, the even-money favorite led through fractions of :23.86 and :47.60. The GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Always a Runner (Gun Runner), a well-beaten second behind Counting Stars in the GI Acorn S. at Saratoga June 5, shot through an inviting opening at the fence at the top of the stretch and the “Showdown at the Spa” was set.Racing shoulder to shoulder and exchanging bumps as they turned for home, Counting Stars proved best once again and powered home in deep stretch to win going away by 4 1/4 widening lengths.Longshot Measure (Essential Quality) was third.The final time for 1 1/8 miles was 1:48.98.Lifetime Record: 10-6-1-1.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 E. Casse.COUNTING STARS wins the rivalry and makes it back-to-back Grade 1 victories, taking the Coaching Club American Oaks under @iradortiz for trainer @markecasse. pic.twitter.com/Ai5LxXKxrT— NYRA () (@TheNYRA) July 25, 2026The post Head of the Class: Counting Stars Sensational in CCA Oaks appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.