Strong State made it two-for-two on the season with a powerful off-the-pace win in Saturday’s fourth race at Saratoga, overcoming traffic and a wide trip to reel in front-running Paula’s a Star late. The final time for six furlongs was 1:11.04, with a 97 Equibase Speed Figure marking a career best.
Not the Smoothest Trip
After breaking mid-pack, she was pinned inside early and shuffled back. Jockey Kendrick Carmouche patiently angled her out from the two-path to the six-path and once clear, she lengthened stride with authority. She collared the leader inside the final sixteenth and edged away late under a right-handed crop.
The Way She Did It Matters
This wasn’t just a fast race; it was a professional one. Strong State showed gears, resilience and a closing punch that hints at more distance in her future. She’s now 3-for-6 lifetime with $190,234 in earnings and her development curve is clearly pointing up.
$18,000 Buy, Stakes Potential
Shepherd Equine Advisers purchased Strong State for Highlander Training Center at the 2023 Keeneland January sale for just $18,000. Bred by WinStar Farm, the Tom’s d’Etat filly is out of Kram, a multiple stakes-placed runner by Colonel John. That pairing brought both class and versatility and it’s proving to be an underrated match.
Why the Pedigree Works
This isn’t just a filly on the upswing, it’s a pedigree built to improve with age. She carries three crosses of Mr. Prospector (3S x 5D x 6d) and dual crosses of Storm Cat (4S x 5D). These duplications are spaced well offering reinforcement without excessive inbreeding.
Her five-generation inbreeding coefficient is just 1.75%, with over 91% unique ancestors through six generations. That’s the balance you want: intelligently linebred with room to grow.
Structurally, her pedigree also shows strong Gen II balance, with Smart Strike x Giant’s Causeway over Colonel John x Elusive Quality. These are proven crosses for producing scope, soundness and gradual improvement, traits Strong State is now demonstrating in real time.
What’s Next? A Stretch-Out, Perhaps
Back-to-back wins at Churchill and Saratoga point to a filly thriving at three. While she may stay sprinting for now, don’t be surprised if Albert Stall Jr. gives her a shot to stretch out later this year. Based on the way she moves and what her pedigree supports, she’s earned that chance.
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