2006 Alabama Stakes weekend at Saratoga

Pine Island wins the 2006 Alabama Stakes

Pine Island wins the 2006 Alabama Stakes over Teammate at Saratoga

© Vanessa Ng

The $600,000 Alabama Stakes (G1) is the highlight event on the Saratoga stakes schedule for 3-year-old fillies. Nine entered this 1 1/4 mile event over the main track, with Pine Island sent off as the 6-5 favorite over 4-1 Adieu. 15-1 Teammate and 12-1 Pyramid Love fought for the lead through a half in 47.31, then Pyramid Love dropped out of contention allowing Teammate to continue loose on the lead entering the stretch through 3/4 in 1:11.84 and a mile in 1:37.06. The slow pace looked to be advantageous to Teammate, who pulled ahead to a 2 1/2-length lead at the top of the stretch. However, Phipps homebred Pine Island would not be denied, as she split horses on the turn, came on strong through the stretch, and went right by the pacesetter inside the 1/16 pole to win going away by 1 1/4 lengths in 2:02.87. 11-1 shot Lemons Forever was a long 6 1/2 lengths back in third.
Results chart from DRF

• Pine Island wins the 2006 Alabama Stakes
• Pine Island and Teammate duel down the stretch
• Pine Island in the winner's circle
• Second place finisher Teammate
• Third place finisher Lemons Forever
• Wait a While wins the 2006 Lake Placid Stakes
• Wait a While in the post parade
• Beaten favorite and second place finisher Lady of Venice
• Finlandia wins the 2006 Yaddo Handicap