Cinderella’s Dream Eyes Victory in Saratoga Oaks Against Segesta

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Cinderella’s Dream and Segesta, who finished first and second in the Belmont Oaks Invitational Stakes (G1T) at Aqueduct Racetrack on July 6, are set to face off again in the Saratoga Oaks Invitational Stakes (G2T) on August 2 as horse racing odds favorites. 

The $400,000 race will be contested over 1 3/16 miles on Saratoga Race Course’s outer Mellon Turf Course.

Cinderella’s Dream: The Favorite

Godolphin’s Cinderella’s Dream, trained by Charlie Appleby, has shown impressive form. She has stayed in New York since her Belmont Oaks victory, where she broke the 1 3/16-mile track record with a time of 1:53.42.

Godolphin’s top overseas rider, William Buick, will travel from Britain to take the mount. He wants to repeat his success from last year’s Saratoga Oaks victory aboard With The Moonlight.

Cinderella’s Dream’s consistent performance and record-breaking run make her a favorite for those following off-track betting. Her impressive five-for-six record, with her only loss in the One Thousand Guineas (G1) at Newmarket, positions her well for this race.

Segesta: The Challenger

Segesta, owned by Juddmonte and trained by Chad Brown, finished a close second to Cinderella’s Dream in the Belmont Oaks. She has significantly improved, winning the Wonder Again Stakes (G2T) before her Belmont Oaks runner-up finish. Irad Ortiz Jr. will continue to ride Segesta, maintaining their successful partnership.

As part of the horse racing schedule, this race will be crucial for Segesta to solidify her status and possibly turn the tables on Cinderella’s Dream.

Other Contenders

The Saratoga Oaks field also includes other notable competitors. Greenfinch, a Justify filly owned by Coolmore-affiliated connections, is one to watch. Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, she comes off a minor stakes win at Killarney on July 17.

Mark Casse’s Dancing N Dixie, a dual stakes winner, recently captured the Tepin Stakes at Churchill Downs. She adds depth to the field with three graded placings and a late rush style.

Adding international jockeys like William Buick and Ryan Moore adds another intrigue and strategy for off-track betting.

Cinderella’s Dream will break from the inside post, with Buick planning this mount’s trip. Appleby has expressed confidence in her condition, noting her excellent form since her last run. With Ortiz Jr. aboard, Segesta will leverage her strong showing in the Belmont Oaks to rechallenge Cinderella’s Dream.

The race’s outcome will depend on how top contenders handle the longer distance on the Mellon Turf Course and the strategies used by their trainers and jockeys.