Alabama Stakes 2011: A stunning upset by Royal Delta
Ahead of the 2011 version of the TVG Alabama Stakes (Grade 1) (3YO Fillies) (Dirt), the entire betting market was inclined towards It’s Tricky and none of the punters even bothered about Royal Delta. Then came the race day of August 20 when six fillies were
lined-up to run at Saratoga (USA).
On the fast track of 1 mile and 2 furlongs, the high-profile race began at 10:45 (GMT). Expectedly, It’s Tricky, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, was leading the line-up. That situation remained intact for a few seconds. Then suddenly, Royal Delta, the proud
pupil of William Mott, came from behind and took lead, leaving all the spectators and bookmakers astonished.
Running under J. Lezcano, the Besilu Stables owned bay and brown filly demonstrated great courage and confidence to march towards the finish line ahead of all. Just a few yards before the boundary strap, Royal Delta picked up fresh pace and managed to win
by the reasonable margin of 5 ½ lengths. What an upset!
While leaving the venue, most of the spectators were quite stunned as an underdog runner had convincingly defeated the 11-5 favourite candidate.
The victory earned the daughter of Empire Maker out of Delta Princess £192,307.69 that supplemented her total earning to a great extent.
With It’s Tricky being the runner-up, Pinch Pie grabbed third top spot. The fourth position went to Plum Pretty while St John’s River and Inglorious finished 5th and 6th respectively.
The glorious title of the Alabama Stakes gave immense confidence to Royal Delta and she moved on to win the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (Grade 1) (3YO+Fillies & Mares) at Churchill downs on November 4. She was the 9-4 favourite for the 9-runner event.
The brilliant filly extended the winning momentum to 2012 as well and grabbed a grand victory in the Fleur De Lis Handicap (Grade 2) (Fillies & Mares) (Dirt) again at Churchill downs on June 17.
The skilled sprinter went on to win the Delaware Handicap (Grade 2) (3YO+Fillies & Mares) (Dirt) on July 21. Now, she is on the verge of a hat-trick.
For the 2012 edition of Alabama Stakes, the J. Larry Jones trained bay and brown filly, Believe You Can, seems to be the strongest candidate following her outstanding victory in the Kentucky Oaks (Grade 1) (3YO Fillies) (Dirt) at Churchill downs on May 4,
2012.
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