Immediately before the Alabama Stakes was the $600,000 Sword Dancer Invitational (G1), the top turf race of the meet and a major prep for the Breeders' Cup Turf. A field of 9 older horses went to post on Saturday in this 1 1/2 mile inner turf event, with Point of Entry sent off as the 7-5 favorite off a three-race win streak including the Elkhorn (G2) and the Man O'War (G1). In to challenge him included 5-2 second choice Turbo Compressor, winner of the United Nations (G1) last out, and 11-2 third choice Brilliant Speed, winless since the Saranac (G3) last September and 6th in the United Nations.
Jockey Joe Bravo sent Turbo Compressor to the lead and he set easy fractions of 24.89, 49.45, 1:13.77, and 1:37.90 over the firm course, while pressed by 18-1 Center Divider and favorite Point of Entry. Turbo Compressor continued to lead into the homestretch, getting 1 1/4 miles in 2:02.13, but he tired badly at the 3/16 pole to eventually finish last. Point of Entry inherited the lead and drew off to win by 4 lengths over late-running 7-1 Al Khali in 2:26.40. It was another 2 1/2 lengths back to Brilliant Speed third.
Results chart from DRF
