FOURSTARDAVE GETS ITS WORLD APPROVAL

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » There were probably stronger editions of the $500,000 Fourstardave Handicap in the years before it was upgraded to Grade 1. There cannot have been many runnings, however, where a serious case could have been made for every horse in the race. Such was the case with this year’s Fourstardave field of six older turfers.

British import Time Test and Disco Partner, who was riding a three-race winning streak, were made co-post time favorites at 2-1. Every starter had its supporters, but if any horse was relatively ignored, it was World Approval (5-1). The classy five-year- old is having another strong year in 2017, but was shortening up considerably for the Fourstardave — in fact he was trying the one-mile distance for the first time.

As it turned out, the cutback was no problem. Sitting a perfect trip behind the speed, and benefiting from a well- gauged ride from Manny Franco, World Approval exploded through the stretch to win going away by 2¼ lengths. The time on a yielding Inner Turf course was 1 minute, 37.65.

As expected, Sassy Little Lila (5-1) led the way early, although Ballagh Rocks made her work for it. The four-year-filly held her ground down the backstretch and around most of the turn, but came under increasing pres-

sure from Ballagh Rocks, as well as from World Approval, whose three-wide move late on the turn put him in a good spot for a big stretch run.

Sassy Little Lila was soon done, but Ballagh Rocks was right there to

take over. The 6-1 shot was clear for a few strides, but World Approval had him measured, blowing by on the outside to take charge of the race. Time Test, finally in gear but too late to threaten the winner, passed Ballagh Rocks for the place. Disco Partner, Sassy Little Lila and American Patriot trailed.

The Fourstardave is World Approval’s sixth

graded win and second Grade 1, following last year’s United Nations Stakes. The Live Oak Plantation homebred has won 9 of 22 starts and earned $ 1,443,763. World Approval, who is out of the With Approval mare Win Approval, is a half to millionaires Revved up ( by Sultry Song), Miesque’s Approval (Miesque’s Son) and Za Approval (Ghostzapper).

PHOTO BY NYRA/JAMIE COULTER World Approval with Manny Franco up captured the 2017running of the Fourstardave at Saratoga Race Course on Saturday.

DAVID JOHNSON — DJOHNSON@DIGITALFIRSTMEDIA.COM World Approval, with Manny Franco up, stands in the winner's circle after a win int he Grade I Fourstardave Saturday at Saratoga Racec Course.