Saratoga Saturday: Alabama Stakes Horse Racing Analysis

One of the premier female events of the year will take place Saturday at Saratoga. The Alabama will see the return of many talented fillies from the Oaks division.

The Alabama Stakes

Held annually at the iconic Saratoga Race Course, the Alabama Stakes, stands as a testament to the rich history and allure of thoroughbred horse racing in the United States. Since its inception in 1872, this Grade 1 race for three-year-old fillies has captured the hearts of racing fans, making it a cornerstone of the summer meet at Saratoga.

Kentucky Oaks Division

As one of the oldest stakes races in the nation, the Alabama Stakes boasts a storied legacy. Its 1 1/4-mile distance on the dirt track challenges the mettle of fillies. The combination of precocious runners from the Kentucky Oaks trail, mixed with late developing talent makes it one of the premier races in the division.

The Triple Tiara

Although their has been a different winner in each leg, the Alabama is the final race in the historic “Triple Tiara,” along with the Acorn Stakes and the Coaching Club American Oaks. Wet Paint will look to take 2 of the legs after her win in the CCA Oaks earlier this year.

Saturday Full Card Analysis

Saratoga Race Course- 1

Start Time: 1:10 PM ET; Prize: $136.5k; Maiden Special Weight, 6 f on dirt; Field: 8 entries

• #7 SPECIAL ELEMENT (7-2) is expected to show improvement in this second start and earns the top spot in our selections. With a strong closing kick, he could make a late push to secure victory. His previous performances suggest he’s capable of outclassing this field.
• #1 RISK IT (4-1) debuts here and appears to be a fringe contender in this race. The pedigree suggests he could be a major player in this field.
• #3 HUNT BALL (3-1) makes his debut here and is a threat. Trained by Mott and ridden by Alvarado, he has a strong bloodline that suits this challenge.
• #6 ACT OF MUTINY (5-1) debuts here and is likely to contend for a minor placing in this competition. His pedigree is well-suited for this type of race.

Picks: 7 – 1 – 3 – 6

Saratoga Race Course- 2

Start Time: 1:42 PM ET; Prize: $136.5k; Maiden Special Weight, 1 1/16 m on turf; Field: 15 entries

• #14 SPIRIT PRINCE (5-2) is the top choice at 2nd asking. With previous performances that stack up well, he could make a well-timed run from the second tier of runners.
• #13 FORTUNE SELLER (7-2) should improve from his first start and is a strong contender in this race. His speed figures indicate he’s a viable option. He also has a pedigree that positions him as a major player.
• #8 BLAST FURNACE (5-1) is also a noteworthy contender. His past races suggest he’s capable of outperforming this group. His consistent pace figures make him suitable for a race with moderate pacing.
• #1 HOULTON (8-1) should show improvement from his first start. His previous success in similar conditions bodes well for this race, and he’s entering in good form.

Picks: 14 – 13 – 8 – 1

Saratoga Race Course- 3

Start Time: 2:16 PM ET; Prize: $149.5k; Allowance, 5 1/2 f on turf; Field: 12 entries

• #6 SHOOTOUTTHELIGHTS (3-1) appears to be the strongest option here. With the combination of Ward and Ortiz, she will be dangerous. Her current form is impressive as well.
• #4 NUMERO SEIS (5-1) is a significant player in this race. She’s proven her ability to handle similar conditions in previous outings.
• #1 MY SWEET AFFAIR (7-2) could make an impact in this race. Recent performances have been solid, setting her up for a strong showing here.
• #11 LITTLE PRANKSTER (7-5) is another potential contender. Her previous performances are indicative of her ability to outperform this field. She also holds the highest overall power rating.

Picks: 6 – 4 – 1 – 11

Saratoga Race Course- 4

Start Time: 2:46 PM ET; Prize: $42k; Claiming, 6 f on dirt; Field: 11 entries

• #2 HANDSOME CAT (9-2) gets our top choice. Recent performances have been consistently strong, positioning him for a noteworthy outing here. His strategy to sit mid-pack and make a late surge could prove effective.
• #5 RAGTIME BLUES (6-1) is a major contender in this race. The combination of Walder and Saez makes her a force to be respected.
• #10 NO MORE TALK (4-1) will be in the mix. Solid early pace figures give him an edge in a race that lacks significant front-running speed.
• #1 ENSIGN PARKER (6-1) should also contend in this race. Being part of the early pace could work to his advantage, and he has a strong overall power rating.

Picks: 2 – 5 – 10 – 1

Saratoga Race Course- 5

Start Time: 3:18 PM ET; Prize: $149.5k; Allowance, 6 f on dirt; Field: 9 entries

• #1A DAUFUSKIE ISLAND (7-5) leads our selection. Consistently strong pace figures make him well-suited for a moderately paced race. He’s likely to lead or be near the front, aiming to fend off challenges.
• #3 ABADIN (3-1) is a major contender with previous success in similar conditions. The combination of Pletcher and Ortiz adds to her appeal.
• #5 A LA CARTE (8-1) is another significant contender. Her consistent pace figures position her well for a moderately paced race.
• #1 LAFITTE’S FLEET (7-5) is expected to be competitive in this field. His consistent pace figures make him a top-class runner.

Picks: 1A – 3 – 5 – 1

Saratoga Race Course- 6

Start Time: 3:52 PM ET; Prize: $50k; Maiden Claiming, 1 1/16 m on turf; Field: 16 entries

• #9 LEADERSHIP ABILITY (5-2) will likely step forward and gets the top spot in our selections. His pedigree suggests he’s a major player in this race.
• #11 ARISAEMA (3-1) is also a strong contender. Being the class of the field, she is a likely factory her. Her strategy to sit mid-pack and surge late gives her an edge.
• #10 LEM ME DRINK (5-1) seems to fit well in this field.
• #3 BERNING HONOR (7-2) is another competitive option. With a strong pedigree, she’s likely to be in the first flight of runners and contend late.

Picks: 9 – 11 – 10 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- 7

Start Time: 4:26 PM ET; Prize: $200k; Lake Placid S., 1 1/16 m on turf; Field: 10 entries

• #2 ASPRAY (7-2) is our top choice. With Brown as the trainer and Prat as the jockey, she’s well-positioned for a strong showing. The right race setup could favor her.
• #8 PREREQUISITE (9-2) is a significant contender with the combination of Brown and Ortiz. Recent performances suggest she’s ready for a standout run.
• #1 HEAVENLY SUNDAY (6-1) has recent solid performances to set her up for a competitive outing. She’s the class of the field.
• #3 GLORIA’S PRINCESS (9-2) is anticipated to be a significant contender. Previous success in these conditions works in her favor.

Picks: 2 – 8 – 1 – 3

Saratoga Race Course- 8

Start Time: 5:02 PM ET; Prize: $162.5k; Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 m on dirt; Field: 8 entries

• #7 NOSTALGIC (3-1) is our top pick. She’s well-suited for the distance and is unlikely to struggle.
• #3 GERRYMANDER (5-2) is poised to be competitive. With the combination of Brown and Rosario, she’s a force to be respected. Her top overall power rating adds to her appeal.
• #1 MOVIE MOXY (4-1) is also a competitive option. Recent strong performances indicate she’s ready for a standout run, especially with a hot pace up front.
• #2 BATTLE BLING (15-1) is a price horse but should be a competitive force. She makes sense based on speed figures and could benefit from a fast pace up front.

Picks: 7 – 3 – 1 – 2

Saratoga Race Course- 9

Start Time: 5:45 PM ET; Prize: $600k; Alabama S. Presented by Keeneland Sales, 1 1/4 m on dirt; Field: 10 entries

• #8 RANDOMIZED (9-2) is our top choice. With Brown as the trainer and Rosario as the jockey, she’s well-prepared for a standout run.
• #7 GAMBLING GIRL (8-1) is a major contender with recent solid performances. She’s poised for a strong showing and could make a competitive late push.
• #2 WET PAINT (2-1) is a significant player in this race. Her speed figures make her a strong candidate. She’s likely to run consistently and benefit from a fair pace.
• #10 DEFINING PURPOSE (10-1) is a price horse but should be competitive. Her speed figures suggest she’s ready for a standout run.

Picks: 8 – 7 – 2 – 10

Saratoga Race Course- 10

Start Time: 6:19 PM ET; Prize: $156k; Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 m on turf; Field: 14 entries

• #9 VERBAL (5-2) takes the top selection. She’s a strong candidate based on speed figures.
• #5 WHISPER NOT (9-2) is a major contender in this race. Speed figures make him a noteworthy choice. The race setup could favor him as well.
• #7 RUNNINGWSCISSORS (10-1) is a price horse but expected to be competitive. Recent solid performances suggest he’s prepared for a standout run. He’s also the class of the field.
• #1 DUKE OF HAZZARD (8-1) could be a contender. Speed figures make him a viable choice, and the right setup could favor his run.

Picks: 9 – 5 – 7 – 1

Saratoga Race Course- 11

Start Time: 6:52 PM ET; Prize: $50k; Maiden Claiming, 5 1/2 f on turf; Field: 16 entries

• #1 RIPE FOR MISCHIEF (5-2) is our top pick. He fits well in this field and is well-bred for this type of race.
• #10 HENSON (8-5) is expected to improve from his first start and contends as a fringe contender. His speed figures suggest he can handle the distance.
• #14 BLUE PLATE SPECIAL (2-1) is a significant threat. His pedigree suggests he’s a major player and he could potentially lead from the front.
• #13 WAR PRINCE (9-2) is another contender. His speed figures make him a strong choice. He’s poised to sit mid-pack and make a late surge.

Picks: 1 – 10 – 14 – 13