First-Crop sire Tom’s d’Etat started off the 2024 Saratoga meet in style when his 2-year-old filly Strong State went gate-to-wire in a 5 ½-furlong maiden special weight race on opening day at the historic New York track.
Strong State is the second winner from her sire’s first crop. A Grade 1-winning millionaire son of Smart Strike, Tom’s d’Etat will have a half-dozen chances to add to his tally with entries at several tracks over the coming weekend.
Strong State, in post 1, fought her way to the lead soon after the start, guiding the field through a quarter-mile in :22.58. Despite being under pressure the entire trip, first from Selectively Sweet, then from Will Not Be Swayed the length of the stretch, Strong State would not be denied, winning by a neck in 1:04.53 on the fast track.
The winner is owned by Highlander Training Center and was bred by WinStar Farm LLC. Strong State is the first foal to race out of the Colonel John mare Kram, who was a three-time stakes winner.
