Alabama Stakes Facts, Breeders’ Cup and Beyond

Read more about each contender and see race selections at ThoroFan Handicapper’s Corner.

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. The current configuration created in 2010 consists of the Acorn (G-1) , held at a mile at Belmont Park. The 1 1/8 mile Coaching Club American Oaks (G-1) takes place at Saratoga. In the Alabama, three year old fillies will be asked run 1 ¼ miles over the dirt in a true test of classic stamina.

So which running style is most effective in the Alabama Stakes? 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 ten came charging down the lane to grab the lead in mid-stretch or to get their nose down at the wire.

One would think that the Alabama Stakes would produce major contenders for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. However, since the Breeders’ Cup Distaff inception 1984, only one Alabama heroine has won both races in the same year, last year’s Champion Royal Delta. Seven have placed second in the Distaff, one filly 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 nine placed second. Only four finished out of the money in their next start.

Nine heroines of the Alabama Stakes earned Eclipse Awards for Champion Three Year Old Filly.

Below is a recap of the Alabama Stakes since 1990.

2011 – ROYAL DELTA – Pace presser, won by 5 ½ lengths. Track Fast. Next start: 2^nd in Beldame, 1^st BC Distaff. Champion Three Year Old Filly.

2010 - BLIND LUCK – stalker won by a neck. Track fast. Next start: 2^nd in Fitz Dixon Cotillion Stakes; 2^nd BC Distaff. Champion Three Year Old Filly.

2009 CARELESS JEWEL - pace presser, took over at a mile. Next start: 1^st in Fitz Dixon Cotillion Stakes, 8^th BC Distaff.

2008 PROUD SPELL - pace presser, took over at a mile. Next start: 2^nd in Fitz Dixon Cotillion Stakes, didn’t contest BC Distaff. Champion Three Year Old Filly.

2007 LADY JOANNE - sat in third 1 ½ lengths behind the leaders, took over at a mile. Next start: 2^nd Judmonte Spinster; 4^th in BC Distaff.

2006 PINE ISLAND - stalked, took over in the stretch. Next start: 1^st Gazelle. Broke down in BC Distaff.

2005 SWEET SYMPHONY - stalked, took over in the stretch. Next start: 2^nd Beldame, 9^th BC Distaff.

2004 SOCIETY SELECTION - stalked, took over in the stretch. Next start: 2^nd Beldame. 9^th BC Distaff.

2003 ISLAND FASHION - took over at ¾ pole (before the mile). Next start: 4^th Gazelle, didn’t contest BC Distaff.

2002 FARDA AMIGA – stalked, took over in the stretch. Next start: 2^nd BC Distaff. Champion Three Year Old Filly.

2001 FLUTE – wired the field. Next start: 2^nd Beldame; 7^th BC Distaff.

2000 JOSTLE – pressed from 3^rd, took over at a mile. Next start: 1^st in Fitz Dixon Cotillion Stakes; 9^th BC Distaff.

1999 SILVERBULLETDAY – sat mid-pack took over in the stretch. Next start: 1^st Gazelle; 6^th BC Distaff. Champion Three Year Old Filly.

1998 BANSHEE BREEZE – sat mid-pack took over in the stretch. Next start: 1^st Spinster; 2^nd BC Distaff. Champion Three Year Old Filly.

1997 RUNUP THE COLORS – pace presser, took over in the stretch. Next start: 6^th Gazelle, didn’t contest BC Distaff.

1996 YANKS MUSIC – sat mid pack, took over in the stretch. Next start: 1^st Ruffian, didn’t contest BC Distaff. Champion Three Year Old Filly.

1995 PRETTY DISCREET – wired the field. Next start: 6^th Gazelle, didn’t contest BC Distaff.

1994 HEAVENLY PRIZE - sat mid-pack took over at a mile Next start: 1^st Gazelle; 2^nd BC Distaff. Champion Three Year Old Filly.

1993 SKY BEAUTY - sat mid-pack took over in the stretch. Next start: 1^st Rare Perfume; 6^th BC Distaff.

1992 NOVEMBER SNOW – Stalker, won by a nose. Next start: 1^st Rare Perfume, didn’t contest BC Distaff.

1991 VERSAILLES TREATY – pace presser, took over at a mile. Next start: 1^st Gazelle; 2^nd BC Distaff.

1990 GO FOR WAND – wired the field. Next start: 1^st Maskette; Broke down in BC Distaff. Champion Three Year Old Filly.

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.