Talented Field Of Nine Set For Alabama

By Jordan Sigmon

Going down the list of Alabama Stakes (G1) winners since its inception in 1976 is like reading a who’s who list of great fillies in racing. From Our Mims to Go For Wand and Sky Beauty, all the way up to Royal Delta and Songbird in more recent editions of the race — if you have a good sophomore filly in the barn, chances are the Alabama is your summer goal.

Hall-of-Famer Bill Mott has two chances to add a third Alabama win to his resume this year after having won the race in 2005 with Sweet Symphony and in 2011 with Royal Delta. Leading his duo is Claiborne Farm and Adele Dilscheider’s Elate, who finished a head back of four-time Grade I winner Abel Tasman in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) in her last start. The daughter of top filly sire Medaglia d’Oro was one of the early favorites for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) after a 12 ½ length runaway win in her debut last November, but those dreams were dashed after disappointing efforts in her first three starts this year, including being pulled up in the Ashland Stakes (G1).

While she wasn’t in the big race, Elate did run on Oaks Day, finishing… (more)