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Expert prediction

Coaching Club American Oaks Picks – Horse Racing Odds, Betting Preview, and Saratoga Predictions (Jul 25)

  • Alex Dudley
  • Jul 23, 2026 at 7:40 AM EDT

Pick rationale

Analysis & key factors

  • When: Saturday, July 25, 2026 @ 5:45 PM ET
  • Where: Saratoga, New York
  • How to Watch: FanDuel TV

The high-quality summer action at Saratoga continues on July 25, as a key prep ahead of the Breeders’ Cup comes in the form of the G1 Coaching Club American Oaks. The feature is headlined by a third rematch between Counting Stars and Always A Runner, and the standout fillies will dominate the betting with the best horse racing betting sites. Find the Saratoga Vegas odds and our picks here.

Coaching Club American Oaks Odds

Horse (Draw)Odds
Counting Stars (1)+250
Dandona (2)+2000
La Rascasse (3)+700
Miss Fulton Gal (4)+4000
Measure (5)+1600
Always A Runner (6)+225
Directive (7)+800
Zany (8)+500
Nycon (9)+1600

Latest odds taken from an Offshore Sportsbook. BetOnline markets open on the day of the race.

Race Information & Records

StatInformation
Race Distance1 1/8 Miles
Purse£500,000
Most Successful TrainerTodd Pletcher (8)
Most Successful JockeyMike Smith, John Velazquez (5)

ALSO SEE: Brickyard 400 Picks, NASCAR Odds & Betting Preview (Jul 26)

Coaching Club American Oaks: Recent Winners

  • 2025– Scottish Lassie (Joel Rosario/Jorge Abreu)
  • 2024– Thorpedo Anna (Brian Hernandez/Kenneth McPeek)
  • 2023– Wet Paint (Flavien Prat/Brad Cox)
  • 2022– Nest (Irad Ortiz/Todd Pletcher)
  • 2021– Maracuja (Ricardo Santana/Rob Atras)

Coaching Club American Oaks: Betting Preview

Another Saturday means another excellent weekend of horse racing action at Saratoga. This weekend, the focus will be on fillies aged three, as two of the standout runners from the Kentucky Oaks collide.

Counting Stars holds the narrow edge on Oaks winner Always A Runner at this stage after impressively holding off the Chad Brown runner to land the G1 Acorn over course and distance last month. The Mark Casse-trained horse easily put three lengths between herself and Always A Runner, reversing the Oaks form in the process.

La Rascasse is an interesting newcomer at this level on Saturday, having won impressively on two starts for trainer William Walden. Another step up is required, but the Authentic filly is unlikely to have finished progressing after just two starts under rules.

Measure may be an interesting Exotics angle when assessing the horse racing Vegas odds. The three-year-old daughter of Essential Quality was last seen finishing second behind Directive and further improvement can’t be ruled out over this distance.

The winner on that day could be the most fascinating contender this weekend for trainer Chad Brown. Directive was stylish on that day, winning over course and distance. As a daughter of Gun Runner, she is expected to progress throughout the season, and she should be respected due to her record on track (2-1-1).

Todd Pletcher saddles Zany this weekend, with John Velazquez booked to take the ride. The American Pharoah filly was a disappointing favorite in the Oaks, finishing sixth and five lengths behind Always A Runner. She has been slightly frustrating throughout this season, having also lost when post-time favorite when second behind Percy’s Bar in the G1 Ashland.

Coaching Club American Oaks Picks

I was pretty convinced that Counting Stars was the best filly in North America this season when betting her for the Oaks, and it was good to see her fulfill that promise when landing the G1 Acorn over course and distance last time.

My mind hasn’t changed; she is still the best filly over this distance, and I expect her to confirm the form with Always A Runner. Directive could be the improver to keep tabs on, and she may take third.

Free Pick:

Saratoga Picks for July 25

RacePick
Race 1- Maiden Special WeightElevated
Race 2- Starter AllowanceLady Wisdom
Race 3- Maiden Special WeightFoolin
Race 4- AllowanceSir Oscar
Race 5- Allowance Optional ClaimingKing’s Remark
Race 6- Allowance Optional ClaimingEmerging Market
Race 7- AllowanceJack’s World
Race 8- Allowance Optional ClaimingCrossover Capital
Race 9- G3 Alfred G. Vanderbilt StakesBuilt
Race 10- G1 Coaching Club American OaksSEE ABOVE
Race 11- AllowanceShe’s Our Tiz

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