The feature race on the card was the $600,000 Alabama Stakes (G1), a 1 1/4 mile main track event for 3-year-old fillies. The Godolphin Racing entry of Coaching Club American Oaks top two finishers Music Note and Little Belle were the heavy 2-5 favorites in the field of 5 (with just 4 betting interests). Fair Grounds Oaks, Kentucky Oaks, and Delaware Oaks winner Proud Spell was the 2-1 second choice over Black-Eyed Susan winner Sweet Vendetta at 10-1.
As expected, jockey Rajiv Maragh sent Little Belle to the front to set the pace. Proud Spell stalked her from the outside about a length behind through fractions of 24.97, 50.22, and 1:14.70 over the fast main track. Turning for home, jockey Gabriel Saez asked Proud Spell to challenge for the lead and she responded, taking over the lead at the 1/4 pole through a mile in 1:38.99. Music Note, who had raced in third most of the way, put in her bid in mid stretch and challenged Proud Spell for the lead. However, Proud Spell dig in late to prevail by a head in a final time of 2:04.08. It was another 4 1/2 lengths back to pacesetter Little Belle third.
Results chart
