Just like the horse for which it’s named, the Grade 1 Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga has come a long way since its inaugural running in 1985.

From 1987 to 1994, the New York-bred gelding FOURSTARDAVE Won at least one race at Saratoga yearly, including the 1988 Albany Handicap, the 1989 and 1991 West Point Handicaps, and consecutive editions of the Daryl’s Joy in 1990 and 1991.

Trained by Leo O’Brien, the success of FOURSTARDAVE at Saratoga earned him the nickname The Sultan of Saratoga.

Originally known as the Daryl’s Joy Stakes, the race was renamed in 1996 to honor FOURSTARDAVE, the Saratoga legend that visited the local Winner’s Circle every year from 1987 through 1994.

Over the last 36 years, the Fourstardave has risen from an ungraded Stakes worth $50,000 to a Grade 1 race carrying a purse of $500,000.

In addition, it’s become a critical steppingstone toward the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Mile, producing Winners of that contest since 2012.

In fact, the Fourstardave awards a Win and You’re In berth to the Mile through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.

The Fourstardave Stakes is contested at one mile on the turf, for horses 3 and older.  It is a Grade 1 Stakes Race with a purse of $500,00 dollars.

It is interesting to note that while it seems trainer Chad Brown has Won virtually every notable turf Stakes at The Spa, the FOURSTARDAVE has eluded him.

That glitch probably gets eradicated Saturday as he sends out both REGAL GLORY and MASEN in a short field of five runners.

The contest is slated as race ten on a card of eleven with a scheduled Post Time of 6:15.