The Grade 1 Alabama Stakes was the most important race on tap this past weekend and it did not disappoint.

The 9 furlong Saratoga race for three-year-old fillies drew a field of only six, but it was one of those rare cases where any one of the six horses had a legitimate chance to win the race. The betting action was very quirky and something none of us expected to happen occurred when Queen’s Plate winner Inglorious opened up as a 4-5 favorite from her 6-1 ML price. She would end up going off at 2-1 with It’s Tricky ending up with slightly more action, but also at 2-1.

Plum Pretty bounced out the gate and set easy fractions on the lead as many expected she would. The Martin Garcia ridden lass carved out a first quarter in 24.54 and a half mile in 49.31. It’s Tricky who had been tracking a length back most of the way pounced at the ¾ pole which was hit in 1:13.12. As they hit the turn for home, CCA Oaks winner It’s Tricky had collared Kentucky Oaks winner and pacesetter Plum Pretty. Neither of them were destined to win though.

It was Royal Delta who had sat just behind both of them most of the way before swinging wide to mid stretch to register a powerful 5 ½ length victory. Once she hit the lead she quickly bounded away and looked very good doing so, stopping the clock in 2:03.13. Royal Delta earned a 97 Beyer Speed Figure for trainer Bill Mott and jockey Jose Lezcano.

It’s Tricky held on for second and 19-1 shot Pinch Pie came on late to steal third from Plum Pretty. It should be noted that Inglorious never looked very comfortable and probably needs to get back on the Poly Track or turf.

Our pick, St. John’s River, had no real excuse.

Royal Delta has always looked like a top filly. She won her debut at Belmont by a whopping 12 lengths before flopping in a minor stakes race after a long layoff at Tampa Bay Downs where she was beaten 15 lengths. After that she took an allowance by three lengths at Keeneland and then won the Black-Eyed Susan by an easy 2 ½ lengths. Her last race before this break through win was a dull third by 7 1/4 lengths in the CCA Oaks. That effort was on a two months rest and it appears that she is best with a recent race in the books.

This group has a bright future. Royal Delta and It’s Tricky will probably head to Parx for the Grade 2 Cotillion Stakes. I expect Baffert to regroup with Plum Pretty and perhaps give her some time off. St. John’s River probably needs easier company, but I wouldn’t hesitate to give her another try at the right price in the Cotillion.

The Grade 2 Lake Placid Stakes was the other big race this weekend from the Spa. The betting public was besides itself with affection for Lake George winner Winter Memories who they sent off as the 1-5 favorite.

Lake George runner up Bellamy Star led the field through extremely easy fractions of 26.07, 51.91 and 1.17.18. Not long after the stretch drive began she was overtaken by Rachel Alexandra winner Kathmanblu. Winter Memories tried to make a move, but was caught in traffic and ultimately ended up on the rail where she could no produce the kick that she showed last out. Instead, it was Hungry Island who blasted off for an easy 2 ½ length triumph over runner up Kathmanblu. Winter Memories was beaten a neck for third by Dynamic Holiday.

My top pick for the Lake Placid was the winner, Hungry Island. She was somehow allowed to pay $21.40. This makes no sense in my mind as she was clearly a top contender and should have been no more than 4-1. Finding an overlay like this is rare. Our second choice for the race was the second place finisher Kathmanblu thus making for a $136.50 exacta. You can read what we had to say here.

Our Free Horse Racing Picks page was stocked with four races this weekend and included one scratch and two winners ($8.20, $21.40). Be sure to bookmark that page as well as our Saratoga Picks page to get the best picks on the internet.