The $500,000 TVG Alabama Stakes (G1) is the third leg of the New York Triple Tiara series for 3-year-old fillies. A field of 6 went to post on Saturday afternoon in this 1 1/4 mile main track feature before 33,380 fans at Saratoga Race Course. It's Tricky was sent off as the 2-1 favorite off her wins in the Acorn (G1) at Belmont and the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga, and would complete the Triple Tiara sweep with a win here. In to challenge her included 5-2 second choice Inglorious, winner of her last three starts at home at Woodbine, the La Lorgnette, the Woodbine Oaks, and then the Queen's Plate against males, and 4-1 third choice St. John's River, winner of the Delaware Oaks (G2) last out after finishing a close second in the Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Plum Pretty went to the lead first time past the stands and she set fractions of 24.54, 49.31, and 1:13.12 over the fast track while as many as 1 1/2 lengths in front of It's Tricky pressing the pace in second. Inglorious was last and 3 wide during the early stages. At the top of the lane, Plum Pretty continued to lead through 1 mile in 1:37.05, but Royal Delta, who stalked the pace in 3rd, came out wide for room and took over the lead at the 1/8 pole. Plum Pretty tired late while Royal Delta drew off late, cruising under the line 5 1/2 lengths in front of It's Tricky in a time of 2:03.13. It was another length back to late-running Pinch Pie third.
Results chart from DRF
