The Grade 1, $500,000 Fourstardave Stakes proved to be a milestone event for both Carl Spackler and his trainer, Chad Brown. Carl Spackler secured his first Grade 1 victory, while Brown finally claimed a Fourstardave win, a race that had previously eluded him throughout his career.

The 4-year-old colt claimed victory in the Fourstardave during his ninth career start, representing eFive Thoroughbreds, owned by Bob Edwards. Carl Spackler had made his debut on January 23, 2023, at Gulfstream Park, but his path to success was hindered by several setbacks, some of which were quite serious.

“Chad liked him early on; he had a nice win at Gulfstream, but then he had a series of injuries,” Edwards explained. “He even had colic before Keeneland last year. But he bounced back, came here after the Belmont Stakes, and won at Saratoga.”

Before this win, Brown had sent 15 horses to the Fourstardave, with his best results being two second-place finishes.

“It feels good,” Brown said of finally winning the race. “The timing was perfect with my family and parents here. They’re the ones who introduced me to horse racing. We used to bet on Fourstardave. Winning this race with them present makes it even more special. It’s a tough race to win, which makes it all the more meaningful.”

In a field of six older male turf runners, Strong Quality led the way from the gate, maintaining the lead until the top of the stretch. Carl Spackler settled in behind him, trailing by two lengths, with Major Dude and Ottoman Fleet another two lengths back.

“This is why we do it. For us, it’s a family affair,” Edwards said. “Tyler is now part of the family...my son-in-law winning a Grade 1 at Saratoga is special. Our lawn jockey gets placed in front of the Fourstardave; it's special. I get to see it for another year. It's just an unbelievable event for us.”

After Strong Quality set fractions of 24.76, 49.24, and 1:13.58, Carl Spackler shifted to the two-path on the far turn. As he accelerated, Strong Quality began to tire, allowing Carl Spackler to take the lead by 1 1/2 lengths at the stretch call. He then drew off to win by 3 1/2 lengths, finishing with a final time of 1:36.63.

“Everything went according to plan,” said jockey Tyler Gaffalione. “Strong Quality set a nice pace, and my horse relaxed beautifully. When I asked him to go, he finished strong. He handled the turf perfectly. All the credit goes to Chad and his team. I’m thrilled for him to get his first Fourstardave win and for Bob and the connections. This one is special.”

More Than Looks, who had been seven lengths behind early, made a strong run down the stretch to finish second. Ottoman Fleet held on for third, while Strong Quality faded to fourth.

Carl Spackler, the 2.05-1 second choice, returned $6.10, $3.10, and $2.30. More Than Looks, the 2.90-1 third choice, completed a $2 exacta that paid $21. The favorite, Ottoman Fleet, at 1.50-1, finished third.

By securing the Grade 1 victory, Carl Spackler earned $275,000, bringing his career earnings to $979,475. He also earned a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar on November 2.

“I’ve got him in a good rhythm now, where I can plan his races,” Brown added. “When you’re heading to a race like the Breeders’ Cup Mile, which I’ve had success in before, you really need to be prepared.”

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