The first Grade 1 event of the 2011 Saratoga summer meeting is the $250,000 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), the second leg of the New York Triple Tiara. A short field of just 5 three-year-old fillies went 1 1/8 miles on the main track on Saturday afternoon, before 22,091 fans under sunny skies and temperatures in the 90's. Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Plum Pretty was sent off as the 9-5 favorite off a second place finish in the Hollywood Oaks (G2) last time out. In to challenge the Bob Baffert trainee included 2-1 second choice Royal Delta, winner of the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2) at Pimlico, and 4-1 third choice It's Tricky, off her win in the Acorn (G1) at Belmont.
Favorite Plum Pretty went to the lead first time past the stands and set early fractions of 23.88, 47.55, and 1:11.06 over the fast track while being stalked by It's Tricky a length behind and to her outside. Entering the stretch, Plum Pretty continued to lead through 1 mile in 1:35.91, but It's Tricky moved up to challenge. The pair dueled from the 1/16 pole, but inside the final 50 yards It's Tricky pushed ahead to win by 3/4 length in 1:49.15. It was a long 6 1/2 lengths back to late-running Royal Delta third.
Results chart from DRF
