The Grade 1 Alabama Stakes is the third leg of the Triple Tiara, the closest race series to a filly version of the Triple Crown. Young three year old fillies will be asked run 1 ¼ miles over the dirt in a true test of classic stamina. This year’s field contains only six hopeful contestants, but they are pretty evenly matched. Between the six, all of the running styles are represented: pace setters, pressers, mid-pack runners and stalkers.
So which running style is most effective in the Alabama Stakes (G-1)? Pace pressers have been victorious seven times, while five each of mid-pack runners and stalkers have won. Only two pace setters have won since 1990. Six fillies made their move to be in front by the mile pole, while nine came charging down the lane to grab the lead in the final yards or to get their nose down at the wire.
Since the Breeders’ Cup Distaff inception 1984, no Alabama heroine has won both races in the same year. Seven have placed second in the Distaff, one (Open Mind) was third, and the rest have finished out of the money. Nine fillies didn’t contest the Breeders’ Cup Distaff in the same year that they won the Alabama. Since 1990, ten contestants won their post-Alabama start while eight placed second. Only four finished out of the money in their next start. Below is a recap of the Alabama Stakes since 1990.
2010 - BLIND LUCK – stalker won by a neck. Track fast. Next start: 2nd in Fitz Dixon Cotillion Stakes; 2nd BC Distaff.
2009 CARELESS JEWEL - pace presser, took over at a mile. Next start: 1st in Fitz Dixon Cotillion Stakes, 8th BC Distaff.
2008 PROUD SPELL - pace presser, took over at a mile. Next start: 2nd in Fitz Dixon Cotillion Stakes, didn’t contest BC Distaff.
2007 LADY JOANNE - sat in third 1 ½ lengths behind the leaders, took over at a mile. Next start: 2nd Judmonte Spinster; 4th in BC Distaff.
2006 PINE ISLAND - stalked, took over in the stretch. Next start: 1st Gazelle. Broke down in BC Distaff.
2005 SWEET SYMPHONY - stalked, took over in the stretch. Next start: 2nd Beldame, 9th BC Distaff.
2004 SOCIETY SELECTION - stalked, took over in the stretch. Next start: 2nd Beldame. 9th BC Distaff.
2003 ISLAND FASHION - took over at ¾ pole (before the mile). Next start: 4th Gazelle, didn’t contest BC Distaff.
2002 FARDA AMIGA – stalked, took over in the stretch. Next start: 2nd BC Distaff.
2001 FLUTE – wired the field. Next start: 2nd Beldame; 7th BC Distaff.
2000 JOSTLE – pressed from 3rd, took over at a mile. Next start: 1st in Fitz Dixon Cotillion Stakes; 9th BC Distaff.
1999 SILVERBULLETDAY – sat mid-pack took over in the stretch. Next start: 1st Gazelle; 6th BC Distaff.
1998 BANSHEE BREEZE – sat mid-pack took over in the stretch. Next start: 1st Spinster; 2nd BC Distaff.
1997 RUNUP THE COLORS – pace presser, took over in the stretch. Next start: 6th Gazelle, didn’t contest BC Distaff.
1996 YANKS MUSIC – sat mid pack, took over in the stretch. Next start: 1st Ruffian, didn’t contest BC Distaff.
1995 PRETTY DISCREET – wired the field. Next start: 6th Gazelle, didn’t contest BC Distaff.
1994 HEAVENLY PRIZE - sat mid-pack took over at a mile Next start: 1st Gazelle; 2nd BC Distaff.
1993 SKY BEAUTY - sat mid-pack took over in the stretch. Next start: 1st Rare Perfume; 6th BC Distaff.
1992 NOVEMBER SNOW – Stalker, won by a nose. Next start: 1st Rare Perfume, didn’t contest BC Distaff.
1991 VERSAILLES TREATY – pace presser, took over at a mile. Next start: 1st Gazelle; 2nd BC Distaff.
1990 GO FOR WAND – wired the field. Next start: 1st Maskette; Broke down in BC Distaff.
Winners of the Alabama Stakes that didn’t contest the Breeders’ Cup Distaff: Mom’s Command, Up The Apalachee, Maplejinsky, November Snow, Pretty Discreet, Yanks Music, Runup The Colors, Island Fashion, Proud Spell.
KIDDIE LIST 8-20-11
This weekend’s stakes races for two year olds include the Continental Mile from Monmouth plus the usual assortment of maiden and allowance races. Works will be posted tomorrow.
From now until the end of the year, we’ll see longer race distances and the babies bred to be two turn runners will start to make an appearance in the maiden ranks. You can keep track of these babies through free virtual stable email notification systems at:
Equibase (http://www.equibase.com/index.cfm)
or DRF (http://www.drf.com).
RESULTS Thursday, 8/18:
Del Mar | Race 5 | 1 mile (turf) | MSW Fillies
Cascina (Dixie Union - Isabeau, by Prospector's Pick) – 2nd
ENTERED Saturday 8/20:
Arlington | Race 10 | 5 ½ F | MSW
Sky Blue Mongolia (Pulpit - Emery Board, by Grindstone) He’s a half to stakes placed Secret File. Three half siblings raced, all needed multiple starts to win their maiden. Their dam won the Go for Wand Stakes. She’s a half to the dam of Black-Eyed Susan heroine Payton D’Oro. The second dam Cosmic Tiger won the Tempted (G3) at two.
Fifty Five South (Cuvee - Greyciousness, by Miswaki) He’s a half brother to the brilliant colt The Factor, winner of the San Vicente and Rebel Stakes.
Caspian Crown (Bernardini - Acey Deucey, by Abaginone) He’s a ¾ brother to multiple stakes winner Preachintothedevil. Their dam won the Prioress (G1) and their third dam Cascapedia was 1977 Champion Older Mare. Caspian Crown is inbred (3x3) to the good mare Oil Field. She is the dam of Abaginone and the second dam of Bernardini.
Untethered (Congrats - Klondike Kitty, by Storm Boot) he has two half sisters. One is 0 for 4 while the other needed 7 tries to win her maiden. She’s a durable veteran of 56 races and has won 7 of them. Their unraced dam is a half to Breeders’ Cup Mile Champ Kip Deville. The second dam Klondike Kaytie was a stakes winner.
Hollywood Script (Gone West - Wheatly Way, by Wheatly Hall) He’s a half brother to Futurity S. (G1) and Saratoga Special (G2) champ Bevo. He’s also a half to Arlington-Washington Lassie (G3) heroine Moonlight Sonata. She is the dam of Beethoven, winner of the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2). Hollywood Script’s dam and second dam are stakes winners.
Heiko (Mr. Greeley - Harriett Lane, by Giant's Causeway) (C) He’s the second foal for his stakes winning dam. The first is unraced. His dam is a half sister to Arlington-Washington Futurity winning sire Cactus Ridge and another half sibling placed in that race.
Calmer Than You (Congrats - Allen's Ms, by Allen's Prospect) All three half siblings raced. One is 0 for 4 and the others needed 3 to 4 starts to win their maidens. Their dam is a half to Pennsylvania Derby champ Love of Money and her two half sisters Astrid and Sarah Cataldo are stakes winners.
Del Mar | Race 2 | 6F | Starter Allowance
Stoney Fleece (Decarchy - Gold Fleece, by Deputed Testamony) He’s a half to the turf router Golden Rahy. His dam won the Won Buena Vista H. (G3) and she’s a half sister to the dam of multiple graded stakes warrior Ball Four.
Sunny Superstition (Stevie Wonderboy - Profit System, by Copelan) He’s a half to Gold Rush winner Mersus Miami and stakes placed American System. A third half sibling is a Russian stakes winner. Their dam is G3 stakes placed.
Nebikon (Swiss Yodeler - Martha My Dear, by Regal and Royal) six of seven of his full siblings have raced and five are winners. Two, My Honey Bunny and Swiss Address are stakes winners while Swiss Rose is stakes placed.
Del Mar | Race 6 | 5 ½ F | MSW
Sweet Swap (Candy Ride (ARG) - Fair Exchange, by Storm Cat) He’s a full brother to Santa Anita Derby winner Sidney’s Candy.
Mr. Newton (El Corredor - Society Gal, by Linkage) Ridgling is a half brother to Humana Distaff (G1) heroine Mona De Momma, G3 placed Jigadee and stakes placed Treasure Hunt. Their dam went 0 for 2 in her career, but she’s a half sister to the dam of Champion Street Sense and major sire Mr. Greeley. Mr. Newton is closely inbred to the Mare Long Legend. She is his second dam and she is also the dam of Mr. Greeley, who is the sire of El Corredor.
Sky Kingdom (Empire Maker - Sky Beam, by Kingmambo) He’s the first foal for his dam. She went 0-5 on the track, but she’s a half sister to stakes winner Mambo In Seattle. Third dam is blue hen Weekend Surprise, dam of A.P. Indy, Summer Squall, Eavesdropper, Honor Grades, Saithor and she’s also the grand-dam of the top grass horse Court Vision.
Tiz Point (Tiznow - Windmill Point, by Storm Bird) He’s the 12th foal produced by his dam. His half sister Stormy Temper is a stakes winner. Their dam was unplaced in three starts, but she’s a full sister to Starlet Storm, the dam of Champion Filly Flanders, who produced Champion Surfside. The second dam Cinegita is a G3 winner and blue hen.
Ring It Up (Toccet - Noontime Angel, by Successful Appeal) He’s the second foal produced by his dam and his half sister is a winner. Their unraced dam is a half sister to the multiple stakes winner Wheels Up At Noon and stakes winner Mad ‘Bout You.
Castaway (Street Sense - Priceless Storm, by Storm Cat) He’s the third foal his dam. Both of his half siblings are geldings and needed four starts to win. Their dam went 1 for 11 and took seven tries to get her win. She’s a half sister to the graded stakes winners Master Command and Aurora Lights. The second dam is a full sister to the sire Lost Soldier and G1 heroine La Gueriere, dam of the top mare Icon Project and grand-dam of sprint specialist Munnings. Other top runners in this family include the top turf runner Honor In War, Al Mamoon and Super Derby hero Apart.
MY BEST BROTHER (Stormy Atlantic - Wilshewed, by Carson City) is a full brother to recently deceased Hollywood Futurity winner and sire Stormello.
Monmouth | Race 3 | 1 m 70 Y | MSW Fillies
Papow Papow (Bernardini - Cat Fighter, by Storm Cat) She is the third foal and third filly born from her dam. Both of her ¾ sisters are unraced. Her dam won her maiden in her second try and also took the La Canada (G2) at 1 1/8 miles. She’s also G2 placed. Cat Fighter is a half to an Irish G3 winner. The second dam Strategic Maneuver was a very precocious juvenile, winning the Spinaway (G1), Demoiselle (G2), Schuylerville (G2), and Matron (G1).
Saratoga | Race 6 | 7F | MSW
Tritap (Tapit - Victory Road, by Ikari) He’s a full brother to Touching Beauty who was second in the Matron (G2) at two and won the Comely at three. His other full sister Noisy Feet was stakes placed at two and won a listed stakes at three. A full brother is 0 for 5 and a half brother is 0 for 3.
Zellers (Distorted Humor - Half Queen, by Deputy Minister) He’s a half brother to Champion Two Year Old Filly Halfbridled. His dam is a half to multiple graded stakes winner Lu Ravi. The second dam At the Half won the Golden Rod S. (G2) and Bassinet at two.
El Padrino (Pulpit - Enchanted Rock, by Giant's Causeway) He’s the first foal for his dam, who was unplaced in her sole start. She’s a half sister to the dams of G2 turf winner Al Khali and G3 miler Soaring Empire. Another G2 winning sister produced G1 winner Serra Lake and the multiple stakes winner Cappuchino. Second dam Chic Shrine won the G1 Ashland.
B Shanny (Street Cry - Nothing But Fun, by Dixie Union) He’s the first foal produced by his dam. She won in her first try. She was was victorious in the Cotillion H.(G2) at three and was multiple G1 placed at four. The third dam Highest Trump was Champion Two Year Old Filly in Ireland and is the granddam of US Champion Filly Ajina. Ajina is the granddam of Quality Road.
Tripendicular (Tiznow - True Addiction, by Yes It's True) He’s the first foal produced by his dam. She won at first asking then placed in the Adirondack.
Five Sixteen (Invasor - Third Street, by Salt Lake) He’s a half to juvenile stakes winner Docs Doll, and she produced the two year old stakes winner Gators Brew.
Rightfully So (A.P. Indy - Society Selection, by Coronado's Quest) This ridgling is the first colt produced by his multiple G1 winning dam. One half sister is a winner and another half sister finished fourth in her recent debut. Society Selection won the Frizette (G1) at two. Her dam was a juvenile stakes winner and placed in the BC Juvenile fillies, so there’s some precocity in this family.
Monmouth | Race 9 | 1 Mile T | Continental Mile S.
BLACK RHINO (El Corredor - Foreign Aid, by Danzig) In his last start, Black Rhino was fourth in the Sanford Stakes. His underachieving dam placed in some listed stakes but was out of the money in all graded attempts. Black Rhino’s distaff family is racing royalty. His dam is a half sister to Champion mare Inside Information, dam of Champion Filly Smuggler. She’s also a half to the top race mare Educated Risk. His second through fourth dams are all blue hens.
Yes He Did (Exchange Rate - Didycheatamandhowe, by Stephen Got Even) He won his debut. His dam placed in the Mazarine Breeders' Cup Stakes at two.
Chief Energy (Ghostzapper - Blissful Kiss, by Kissin Kris) is the fourth foal for his dam. His three half siblings are winners and one, Storm Ranger, placed in a 1 1/16 mile dirt stakes race. Their dam was a juvenile stakes winner at Calder. She took the JJ’s Dream and My Dear Girl Stakes. The second dam was also a multiple stakes winner.
Finale (Scat Daddy - Twinkle, by Lively One) He’s a half to West Virginia Derby hero Bright One.
Saratoga | Race 8 |1 1/16 miles T | MSW
Animal Spirits (Arch - Pennant Champion, by Mr. Prospector) He’s a half brother to Broad Pennant, dam of multiple graded stakes winner Interactif, stakes winner Stretching and stakes placed Wingspan. The second dam is the great Champion Personal Ensign, who is a dam and grand-dam of Champion fillies.
Arthur (Artie Schiller - Janeian (NZ), by The Jogger) He’s the third foal and first colt produced by his dam. One half sister won in her 4th try and the other is 0 for 2. His dam won her debut and is a Grade 3 winner.
Saturday Classic (Any Given Saturday - Classic Approval, by With Approval) He’s a half to multiple G3 turf winner Gulch Approval and Approval Rating, who placed in the Display Stakes at two and won the Victoria Park at three. His half sister Highest Class is a multiple graded stakes placed runner. Their stakes placed dam is a half to the multiple graded stakes winning mare Class Kris. That one is the dam of Pacific Classic hero Student Counsel and Risen Star winner Gradepoint. Another stakes placed half sister gave us Indiana Derby winner Don’t Get Mad. Classic Approval is also a half sister to stakes place sire Patriot Act. The second dam Classic Value is multiple G3 winner over the turf.
Ancil (City Zip - Le Grand Belle, by With Approval) was second in the Chenery Stakes (5 1/2F T) at Colonial on 7/16. His dam is a half sister to multiple stakes winner Johnny Dollar.
Tiz a Homerun (Tiznow - Carsonality, by Carson City) his half brother Larry’s Revenge placed in the Gotham. His stakes winning dam is a half sister to the top mare Fran’s Valentine, who is the dam of With Anticipation, the gallant gray gelding who won the Man O’ War Stakes G1, Sword Dancer (G1) twice and was second in the Breeders’ Cup Turf when he was seven.
Rally Point (Thunder Gulch - Boogie Beach Blues, by Cure the Blues) He’s a half brother to the stakes winning turf miler Storm Treasure. His dam is a half to two stakes winners, one of whom produced South African HOY Overreaching.
Situational Ethics (Broken Vow - Ayla Bella, by Touch Gold) He’s the first foal for his dam. She won a mile turf stakes at Ellis and placed in another similar event at Kentucky Downs. She’s a half to the stakes winning miler Alec’s Moon and the second dam Bello Cielo placed second in the Hollywood Oaks (G1). The third dam was also stakes placed.
Honor Call (Empire Maker - Collect Call, by Meadowlake) He’s a half brother to Remsen (G2) winner Old Fashioned. His dam is a multiple graded stakes winner and placed third in the Kentucky Oaks.
Fantastic Song (Lemon Drop Kid - Fantastic Shirl, by Fantastic Light) 4F :50.33 (27/52) Dirt training. He’s the first foal for his stakes winning turf miler dam. She’s a half to G1 winning turf sires Shakespeare and his full sis G1 winner Lady Shakespeare. The second dam is G1 winning turf mare Lady Shirl.
(AE) Seve (Giant's Causeway - Our Dani, by Homebuilder) He is a half brother to multiple G1 winner You (Frizette S. (G1), Santa Anita Oaks (G1), Test S. (G1), Acorn S. (G1), Las Virgenes S. (G1), etc.). Seve placed 7th in his sprint debut over the Churchill dirt. His full sister was 9th in her only start.
Woodbine | Race 2 | 6F | MSW Fillies
Solid Appeal (Successful Appeal - Star of the Woods, by Woodman) She’s a half to the California multiple turf stakes winner It Tiz. That one placed in the Moccasin at two. Another half sister Meetmeinthewoods is multiple stakes placed.
Holiday At Betty's (Harlan's Holiday - Baby Betty, by El Corredor) Her half brother won in his second start. Their unraced dam is a half to juvenile stakes winner Docs Doll, and she produced the two year old stakes winner Gators Brew. Additionally, their dam’s half brother Five Sixteen is entered in Saratoga’s 6th race.
Pearl Bay (Rush Bay - Magic Pearl, by Stormy Atlantic) Her half sister won her debut. Their dam went 0 for 6, but she’s a half sister to the dam of Champion Filly Proud Spell and she’s also a half sister to multiple stakes winning Call Her Magic, the dam of the top juvenile runner J P’s Gusto.
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