Weekend Racing Highlights (8/21)

TOP FILLIES VIE IN SUPERB ALABAMA

Two of the top sophomores in training will travel 10 furlongs at Saratoga on Saturday to contest the $500,000 Alabama S. (G1). Four-time Grade 1 heroine and leading filly Blind Luck looks like the one to beat for West Coast shipper Jerry Hollendorfer off the strength of her consistency and brilliance. The Kentucky Oaks (G1) queen has never put in a bad effort and is perfect on dirt, and should also appreciate the added ground in this fine event.

Dual Grade 1 lass Devil May Care has won two straight since trying the boys in the Kentucky Derby (G1) for Todd Pletcher, and the impressive daughter of Malibu Moon seems poised for a top showing. A winner in a local prep for this when clearly best, the classy miss will be a handful with her best. Black-Eyed Susan S. (G2) vixen Acting Happy also had a useful prep for this and shouldn't be overlooked for conditioner Richard Dutrow. Third in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) last out, the lightly raced daughter of Empire Maker has reportedly trained well and is another who should love this trip. Havre de Grace, a very close second in the Delaware Oaks (G2) and Connie and Michael, runner-up in the Mother Goose S. (G1), are also expected for this dynamite feature.

The spotlight event on Sunday is the $150,000 Lake Placid S. (G2) for sophomore fillies on the lawn.

 STRONG CAST ASSEMBLED FOR DEL MAR OAKS

The top three-year-old turf distaffers will take aim at Saturday's $300,000 Del Mar Oaks (G1) on Saturday. The John Shirreffs-trained Harmonious, heroine of the American Oaks (G1) in her latest venture, should get plenty of support in this one. The long-striding daughter of Dynaformer is starting to reach her peak and should be primed for a big showing.

A strong field will be assembled for this affair, including Grade 1 winner Crisp for trainer John Sadler. The daughter of Tale of the Cat has excellent synthetic form and should be a major grass player with anything near her best. Grade 1 lass Evening Jewel will look to give James Cassidy another big win at this meeting, and it would be no shock to see this ultra-talented California-bred in the winners' circle following this test. Lake George S. (G2) winner Perfect Shirl and European imports Burg Bahn and Distinctive add to the depth of this race.

The $150,000 Rancho Bernardo H. (G3) is the Sunday feature at Del Mar.