Fourstardave, Ballston Spa Races Downgraded

The Fourstardave Handicap and Ballston Spa Breeders' Cup Handicap, both taken off the turf course and switched to a sloppy main track at Saratoga on Aug. 24, have been downgraded by the American Graded Stakes Committee.

It is the policy of the American Graded Stakes Committee that if a race is scheduled for the turf course, but is moved to the dirt track after the closing of nominations because the turf course is unsuitable for racing, is automatically downgraded one grade level for that running only.

The $200,000 Fourstardave, originally a grade II event at 1 1/8-miles on the turf, was contested by just five starters and was won by Gold Spur Stable, Stonerside Stable, and Quartucci's Capsized. Five other horses were scratched from the race. The status of that race is automatically downgraded to grade III status.

Only three runners contested the $191,800 Ballston Spa Breeders' Cup Handicap, originally a grade III event for fillies and mares, 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/8 miles on the turf. Seven were scratched. The race was won by Flaxman Holding's Surya. According to the American Graded Stakes Committee, the race this year was contested as ungraded.