Alabama and Sword Dancer Lead Spa Weekend

A fine field of sophomore fillies is all set to contest the weekend co-feature at Saratoga, $600,000 Alabama S. (G1). Trainer Todd Pletcher has a trio of fine fillies to choose from, and it will take a fine effort to knock off any of these sophomores. The surging Princess of Sylmar is the ‘now’ filly of the group and comes off a resounding, six-length romp in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) most recently. The daughter of Majestic Warrior is now atop of this fine division of runners and could solidify her standing as the top three-year-old lass in training with another score in this affair.

Grade 1 heroine Dreaming of Julia didn’t really fire his best shot when a distant second in the Mother Goose (G1) last out, but the well-bred daughter of A. P. Indy has proven to be full of class, as well as having a liking for this oval. Pletcher’s final possible entrant is multiple Grade 2 queen Unlimited Budget. The capable daughter of Street Sense has not been in very good form, but we know she has the ability to win a race of this magnitude.

Turf allowance heroine White Rose, Delaware Oaks (G2) third Tell A Great Story, smart allowance winner Carnival Court and local stakes winner Montana Native, all have a big task in this race.
Also on Saturday is the $600,000 Sword Dancer Invitational S. (G1), which also attracted a solid field. Man o’War S. (G1) romper Boisterous gives trainer Shug McGaughey a second top performer at this level of grass racing, and the son of Distorted Humor looms large with something close to his best in here.

United Nations H. (G1) victor Big Blue Kitten, The Alan Goldeg-trained filly Tannery, Colonial Turf Cup (G2) upsetter London Lane, the hard-knocking Al Khali, Euro import Nutello, Man o’War S. (G1) runner-up Twilight Eclipse, and Tahoe Lake, fifth in this a year ago, are also expected.

The $200,000 Lake Placid S. (G2) for sophomore fillies on the turf will be the feature on Sunday.

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