Sassy Little Lila takes on boys in Fourstardave

Trainer Brad Cox said Sassy Little Lila came out of her last breeze in good order as the 4-year-old Artie Schiller filly prepares to face boys in the Grade 1, $500,000 Fourstardave Handicap on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course.

Cox said that Sassy Little Lila, who worked four furlongs in 48.99 seconds on the Oklahoma turf training track last Saturday, is well-rested after her second-place effort in the Grade 1 Just a Game on Belmont Stakes Day, June 10. She registered a personal-best 99 Beyer Speed Figure in that effort, falling just three-quarters of a length short to Antonoe on the turf.

After three victories and four runner-up finishes from eight starts, including second in the Grade 1 American Oaks on December 31 at Santa Anita, Cox said Sassy Little Lila will be looking for her first Grade 1 victory in facing a field that is expected to include American Patriot, Ballagh Rocks, Disco Partner, Time Test and World Approval.

Sassy Little Lila will carry 112 pounds in the handicap.

"After the Just a Game, we knew it was an option. We've been watching to see who may run in it," Cox said Monday morning. "We're thinking it's coming up a short field. Not a light field, but a short field. She has speed. We'll just see how it plays out. We're getting in light. It's an interesting spot and she's doing great, so we think she's up for that challenge."

Sassy Little Lila has been successful as a pacesetter, and the potential lack of speed in the Fourstardave prompted Cox to skip last weekend's Fasig-Tipton De La Rose. Cox said the Fourstardave distance of one mile on the turf, plus the timing, made the race more attractive than waiting for the Grade 2, $400,000 Woodford Reserve Ballston Spa on August 26.

"That played a role in the decision to come out of the De La Rose for sure," Cox said.  "That factored in on the decision to try against the boys. We don't feel like we have to run her a mile but it was either wait there or go to the Ballston Spa. We're sitting on over two months now between races and we feel like we're sitting on a filly who is ready to run. She's sitting on a big effort."

Green Mask came out of his impressive 1 ¾-length victory in Sunday's $250,000 Troy Handicap in good order, Cox said. The 6-year-old Mizzen Mast gelding won for the third time in four starts and second in a row, including the Grade 2 Highlander on July 2 at Woodbine that earned him a 110 Beyer and a second-place finish to Disco Partner in the Grade 2 Jaipur on June 10 at Belmont.

Cox said he is considering running Green Mask once more before the Grade 1, $1 million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in November at Santa Anita. Two races are possibilities for his next spot: the $150,000 Belmont Turf Sprint Invitational on October 7 or the Grade 2 Woodford that same day at Keeneland.

"He looked spectacular and we're real happy with how he came out of it," Cox said. "He's no worse for the wear. Right now, we'll talk about giving him another start prior to the Breeders' Cup. It's a possibility for either Belmont or Keeneland."

Green Mask, carrying the highweight of 122 pounds, rallied from third to win the 5 ½-furlong sprint on turf labeled firm in the Troy.

"He's put it together the last four races, he's been extremely impressive," Cox said.  

Arklow will receive a freshening after running seventh in the Grade 2 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame on Friday. After making six starts this year, including a win in the Grade 2 American Turf on May 6 at Churchill Downs, Cox said they are going to take it light with the 3-year-old son of Arch, who was 11th in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational on July 8.

"He came out of it in good order but we sent him back to Kentucky. We're going give him a little break," Cox said. "It's two flat races he's run and we don't see a physical reason. He's a horse who has obviously been running a lot. So, he's maybe asking for a little time off and he's going to get it."