The Grade 1 Alabama Stakes is one of the most prestigious races for a filly in the United States. The final leg of the Triple Tiara presents a unique challenge in the form of the 10 furlongs distance. Those to claim the race in the past include Shuvee, Life’s Magic, Go For Ward, Sky Beauty, Silverbulletday and Blind Luck.
It’s Tricky (Mineshaft x Catboat by Tale of the Cat), winner of the Acorn and CCA Oaks in her last two outings, will be the favorite. The filly is a perfect 4 for 4 with Eddie Castro up and 5 of 6 lifetime. I had her as my top pick in the last out in the CCA Oaks where she was a crazy good price of 4.30-1 in a five horse field. I’m going to look a different direction today as I think the extra furlong could get to her and I don’t believe the set up will be as good for her this time.
The Andrew Leggio trainee St. John’s River (Include x Adventurous Di by Private Account) is an interesting option. The lass broke poorly from the 13 gate in the Kentucky Oaks two races back, but still closed like a freight train to be second beaten only a head. After that she ran a bang up race to get up on the wire in the Delaware Oaks. She’s plenty good enough to beat this group and will be a generous price compared to her rivals. Robby Albarado gets the call to ride.
Bob Baffert and Martin Garcia are back with Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty (Medaglia D’oro x Liszy by AP Indy) who was second behind the aforementioned It’s Tricky in the CCA Oaks last out. Bafffert is a master of strategy and figures to change things up this time. Don’t be surprised if Garcia doesn’t end up on the lead. I think (and maybe Baffert does too) that she runs better with a target in front of her. The Peachtree Stable owned filly is much more suited for 10 furlongs than It’s Tricky so it should come as no surprise if she turns the tables on her in the Alabama Stakes.
Inglorious (Hennessy x Noble Strike) could be the “x” factor for this race. She was last seen sweeping past her rivals in the Queen’s Plate (a race which we CRUSHED!) to post a 2 ½ length win. Before that she won the Woodbine Oaks. This isn’t trainer Josie Carroll’s first rodeo either. She won the Alabama in 2009 with Careless Jewel. I like her, but the fact that 4 of her 5 lifetime wins have been against Canadian breds makes me wonder if she can handle this group. Luis Contreras is in to ride.
Jose Lezcano rode St. John’s River last out, but winds up on Royal Delta (Empire Maker x Delta Princess by AP Indy) in this race. She scored in the Black-Eyed Susan two back, but flopped last out in the CCA Oaks where she was third beaten 7 ¼ lengths. She is working very well for trainer Bill Mott and we know she will go the distance. She looks live, but the only problem with that is everyone else does too.
Tony Dutrow and John Velazquez hook up to bring Pinch Pie (Victory Gallop x Romp And Stomp by Olympio). She has won two races in a row, but looks like a fringe contender here. This group is just too classy for her to win.
My top pick to win the wide open 2011 Alabama Stakes from Saratoga is St. John’s River. The filly is still getting better and brings a massive closing kick to the table. That along with the clear ability to go the distance makes her an attractive option at 5-1.
For information on where to bet the race check out our Horse Betting page. Also, check out our Saratoga Picks page to get our selections for the rest of the action at the Spa. For a limited time you will also get picks for Del Mar that same day. Don’t miss out!
The Alabama Stakes at HRP is also a competitive field of six. Will it be Belmont Stakes runner up Mai Mia Bambina or Acorn Stakes winner Blow Me To The Moon? Check out our Horse Racing Games page to learn more.
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