The premier race for 3-year-old fillies at Saratoga is the $600,000 Alabama Stakes (G1) at 1 1/4 miles on the main track. The 34,408 fans in attendance enjoyed sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-70's on Saturday afternoon. Grace Hall was sent off as the 11-10 favorite in the field of 7, winner of the Delaware Oaks (G2) after finishing third in the Kentucky Oaks (G1). In to challenge her included 2-1 second choice Questing, off her win in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), and 6-1 third choice In Lingerie, third in the Coaching Club after winning the Black-Eyed Susan (G2).
Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. sent Questing to a clear lead first time past the stands and she set fast fractions of 22.84, 46.01, and 1:09.74 while as many as 2 lengths in front of Grace Hall and 8-1 Zo Impressive who stalked her second and third. Entering the stretch, Questing began to extend her lead, opening up by 3 lengths through 1 mile in 1:35.06 as Grace Hall and Zo Impressive tired and dropped back. Questing swerved out during the stretch run but was drawing away, winning by 9 lengths over In Lingerie in 2:01.29 over the fast track. It was another 8 lengths back to 12-1 Via Villaggio third, while favorite Grace Hall checked in fifth.
Results chart from DRF
