Aug 152025
 

Alabama Stakes

The oldest stakes race for 3-year-old fillies in America, the Alabama was first run in 1872 and won by Woodbine, who was owned by August Belmont I. The race was intended to be named after prominent sportsman William Cottrell, of Mobile, AL, but he was a modest individual who requested it be named after his home state instead. Cottrell’s most famous horse was Buchanan, winner of the 1884 Kentucky Derby. The Alabama has been won by Hall of Famers such as Miss Woodford, Beldame, Top Flight, Go for Wand and Royal Delta.

Saratoga Living – Brien Bouyea – How Saratoga Race Course’s Top Stakes Races Got Their Names

Deacon Blues


THE ALABAMA GI $600,000

Presented by Keeneland Sales

FOR FILLIES THREE YEARS OLD

 

ONE MILE AND ONE QUARTER

TO BE RUN SATURDAY, AUGUST 16, 2025

 

PP Horse Jockey Trainer M/L Odds
1 Margie’s Intention (LA)  I Ortiz, Jr. B H Cox
2 Good Cheer (KY)  L Saez B H Cox
3 Kinzie Queen (KY) J Alvarado G Compton
4 Nitrogen (KY)  J L Ortiz M E Casse
5 Queen Azteca (KY)  J Rosario N Petersen
 

6

La Cara (KY)  D Davis M E Casse

 


The Haiku Handicapper Presented By Woodbine: 2025 King’s Plate Stakes

Time to analyze the 2025 King’s Plate Stakes field, in post position order, in the form of Haiku; a Japanese poem of 17 syllables, in three lines of five, seven, and five.

To read previous editions of The Haiku Handicapper, click here.

#1 – Mansetti
Passed his two-turn check
Might have to gun it from rail
Tank will be tested

#2 – William T
Recent maiden score
Nose-dive into the deep end
Price play if there’s more

#3 – Notorious Gangster
Loves the Woodbine stretch
Mornings suggest he’s locked in
With room, he’s a threat

#4 – Scorching
Never runs poorly
Except in the last few jumps
Lower-ticket slot

#5 – Mythical Man
Fast works, first Lasix
Lightly-raced, first time on synth
Shrugging emoji

#6 – Faber
Back up class ladder
First climb didn’t go too well
Can’t get enthused here

#7 – Runaway Again
Freak debut winner
Do those types win the King’s Plate?
Could win, could run last

#8 – Dewolf
Preps haven’t been great
But Prat comes north to ride him
Not sure that’s enough

#9 – Watsonville Red
Never left the gate
At odds less than 10-1
That won’t change today

#10 – No Time
Clicked with Johnny V
In her breakthrough Woodbine Oaks
Might have a ceiling

#11 – Tom’s Magic
A Stidham shipper
Has the tools, blood to succeed
Footing’s one unknown

#12 – Sedbury’s Ghost
Plate Trial winner
Just four Trial/Plate doubles
In this century

#13 – Ashley’s Archer
Gradual comeback
From solid 2-year-old run
Could sneak up on them

Prediction
Poof! It’s Tom’s Magic
Hernandez gets his fourth Plate
Three, ten fill the tri

Black Magic Woman

Paulick Report – Carter Wilkie – ‘Elbows Up’: Canada Girds For Its Biggest Day Of Racing

Paulick Report – Christine Bossinakis – Queen Looks For King’s Plate Glory

The Haiku Handicapper Presented By Woodbine: 2025 E. P. Taylor Stakes

To read previous editions of The Haiku Handicapper, click here.

#1 – Venencia
A pleasant surprise
Gaining in the local prep
Needs to keep climbing

#2 – Literate
Turf is easily
This mare’s third-strongest surface
Daunting assignment

#3 – Diamond Rain
When Godolphin ships
They don’t do it for SkyMiles
Serious win threat

#4 – She Feels Pretty
Imposing shipper
Has a win over the course
Never runs a dud

#5 – Caitlinhergrtness
Defending Plate champ
Bad habit of getting caught
Leaving on the bench

#6 – Hurricane Clair
Great in comfort zone
But finds her ceiling quickly
She’d be a surprise

#7 – Ready for Shirl
Woodbine pillars, all
Wish Emma-Jayne could ride her
Live to hit the board

Prediction
World domination
Diamond Rain sweeps Canada
Four, seven follow

Out Of Time 

Bloodhorse -Sean Collins – Alabama Plays Key Role in 3YO Filly Championship Race

Angel From Montgomery

Canadian Thoroughbred – Jennifer Morrison – 166th King’s Plate Saturday Update: Tom is Sharp, Casse at Alabama

2013 Alabama Stakes

Saratoga Living – Tom Pedulla – New Book Explores the History of American Racetracks

2009 Alabama Stakes

TDN – Queen Azteca Arrives in Saratoga, Prepares for Stateside Debut in Alabama

Angel From Montgomery

Bloodhorse – Good Cheer Records Final Work for Alabama

DRF – David Grening – Nitrogen works in company in preparation for Alabama

Sweet Home Alabama

Bloodhorse – Tom Hall – Fanfreluche Reached Pinnacle of Her Career in Alabama

Deacon Blues

Speed record at current distance:

  • 2:00.80 @ 1¼ miles : Go For Wand

1990 Alabama


Phil M. Stockmen

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