10.48 Saratoga
Betfair TVG Alabama Stakes (Grade 1) (3yo Fillies) (Dirt) (3YO) Winner £185,185
Course: Fast Distnace: 1m2f Number Of Runners: 6
Pick: Blind Luck
Acting Happy: was a well-beaten third to Devil May Care in the Coaching Club American Oaks last time out following her sole graded stakes triumph in the Black Eyed Susan beforehand; Bred for 10f and tactical speed should be useful from the rail but she's really going to have to turn out her career best to beat this lot.
Devil May Care: 2-3 in juvenile season, holding off a determined challenge from Awesome Maria to win the Frizette Stakes at Belmont before flopping on Pro Ride; flopped on 2010 debut at the Fair Grounds but since then only blemish was tenth place finish in the Derby; Barely extended to land 2 good Grade 1 events on last 2 starts and possibly one they all have to beat.
Tizahit: Won Grade 2 Demoisel at Aqueduct last November but hasn't shown same form as a three year old as she did as a juvenile, having lost both her starts against poor field this year.
Blind Luck: Ran amok as a juvenile, cruising to 2 facile successes (One by 13 and a half lengths over just 4 and half furlongs) before then making a very pleasing Stakes debut in Grade 1 company when closing well to take second place behind Mi Sueno in Darley Debutante before taking the Oak Leaf in very impressive style (Should have won Breeders Cup fillies juvenile but for wide trip); Same story this year, with 2 Grade 1 wins in the Kentucky Oaks and Las Virgines sandwiched in-between some very tough tasks (had to give 10lbs in weight twice this year); Toughest test yet but must have excellent shot of confirming herself best 2 year old filly.
Connie And Michael: Turned into a different filly once she switched from turf/synthetic to dirt this spring, coming excellent second to Devil May Care at Belmont last time; Logical third choice and there if either fav’s fluff their lines.
Havre De Grace: Ran best race of career when all-out to finish second by a nose to Blind Luck in the Delaware Oaks just a month ago but there's got to be a bit of a question as to how valid this form is, as she was in recpit of 6lbs that day and now faces Blind Luck on levels.
VERDICT: An excellent renewal of a race that looks set to decide the top 3 year old filly in America this year. With the improving Connie And Michael sure to be there at the end, it would be foolish to assume this is a match. That said, it’s going to be very hard to split dual Grade 1 winners (this year) Devil May Care and BLIND LUCK, with the latter getting the vote due to exceptional attitude and consistency.
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