Deterministic on track for Fourstardave after 'spectacular' work

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. − It’s hard to improve on perfection but trainer Miguel Clement is confident Deterministic, who has won his last five starts including three Grade 1 races, can do just that when he looks to defend his title on Aug. 8 in the Grade 1 Fourstardave.

Clement is, in part, basing that confidence on the way Deterministic has been training up to the race, including his most recent work here Sunday over the Oklahoma turf course. Deterministic went an easy half-mile in 47.76 seconds per Daily Racing Form, punctuated by a strong gallop-out, going six furlongs in 1:13.10, outside the undefeated Grade 3 winner The Big Con.

“In one word, spectacular,” was how Clement described the breeze about an hour later. “I thought the way he moves is just so freakishly talented and he always wants to do more. I’ve never had a horse work like that over the turf course in my entire life.”

Deterministic, who captured the 2025 Fourstardave by 1 1/4 lengths over Intellect, has opened his current campaign with victories in both the Grade 3 Fort Marcy at Aqueduct and Grade 1 Manhattan here on June 6.

“He’s on target for the Fourstardave,” said Clement. “This will be his third start off the layoff, he loves it here at Saratoga, he’s training lights out, my confident level is extremely high, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he takes another step forward off his last one.”

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