SAV’N MONEY’S TOUGH SPRING CAMPAIGN COULD PAY OFF IN $125,000 STAR DE NASKRA
Posted on July 9th, 2026
NEW KENT, Va. (July 9, 2026) — Listed at 15-1 on the morning line for Saturday’s $125,000 Star De Naskra Stakes, Forge Ahead Stables’ Sav’n Money will make his first start against restricted competition after spending the spring testing himself against open company — including a runner-up finish behind Englishman, arguably the best 3-year-old sprinter in the country. Coupled with the addition of blinkers and a string of encouraging workouts, trainer Wayne Catalano believes the sophomore is poised to deliver a strong effort.
Restricted to Virginia- and Maryland-bred or -sired 3-year-olds at seven furlongs, the Star De Naskra attracted a competitive field of eight, led by Gold Square’s Tartabull, who will make his first start for trainer Rohan Crichton.
Sav’n Money began his career on the turf, breaking his maiden at Lone Star Park before tackling tougher allowance company on the grass at Fair Grounds. Catalano shifted the son of Yaupon to the main track this spring, and the colt immediately showed he belonged against quality competition. Two starts back, he rallied from well off the pace to finish second to Englishman, who returned to validate that form with a victory in the Grade 1 Woody Stephens Stakes.
“If he runs back to the race he had at Fair Grounds, I think he wins,” Catalano said. “He finished second to the best horse in the country (Englishman).”
Most recently, Sav’n Money competed in a deep first-level allowance on the Kentucky Derby undercard. Racing over a speed-favoring surface, he never threatened after trailing early, but Catalano believes the running line doesn’t tell the full story.
“He never really got the trip we were looking for,” Catalano said. “Draw a line through that race.”
Saturday marks the first time Sav’n Money will race with blinkers, an equipment change Catalano hopes will allow the colt to stay more involved during the early stages.
“We’re adding blinkers,” Catalano said. “I’m hoping that helps him stay a little closer to the pace.”
The decision was reinforced by an encouraging gate drill on May 30, when Sav’n Money worked in blinkers alongside Only Phil, a half-brother to multiple graded stakes winner Two Phil’s. Sav’n Money has continued to train forwardly since arriving at Colonial Downs, including a sharp half-mile work over the main track on July 5.
“He’s training great,” Catalano said. “He’s been doing everything we’ve asked, and he worked well over the track. We like how he’s coming into this race. We’re feeling good about our chances.”
Sav’n Money will be guided from post 7 with Jareth Loveberry aboard.
Saturday’s stakes program includes the $125,000 Miss Disco, sibling stake to the Star De Naskra, and the $125,000 Glenn Petty and $125,000 Punch Line, companion turf sprints for older Virginia-bred or -sired horses. First post for the 10-race card is 12:30 p.m. ET.
Saturday’s 50-cent Late Pick 5, featuring a 12% takeout, covers all four stakes beginning with the Miss Disco in Race 6. The Star De Naskra is Race 7, followed by the Glenn Petty in Race 8 and the Punch Line in Race 9.
