Casse fields a double threat in an Alabama Stakes brimming with promise

La Cara and Nitrogen, two top-tier stars, will look to deliver the Hall of Fame trainer a long-awaited victory, while Good Cheer aims for a comeback

La Cara looks to add another big win on Saratoga’s dirt / ADAM COGLIANESE / NYRA

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).- The Alabama Stakes (G1, $600,000, 1 1/4 miles, dirt) this Saturday at Saratoga promises to be much more than a marquee event for three-year-old fillies—it could start to define the title of champion in the United States. Among the six main contenders, the double threat from Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse, a member of both the U.S. and Canadian Halls of Fame, stands out as he seeks a victory that has eluded him in his illustrious career.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Casse. “I’ve followed this race since I was eight years old. I think the Alabama will establish a clear leader in the division, though the Breeders’ Cup can always change the final picture.”

The banner for his barn will be La Cara, racing for Tracy Farmer, a two-time G1 winner who most recently captured the Acorn Stakes (G1) by three lengths over a sloppy track following a ninth-place finish in the Kentucky Oaks. The Street Sense filly also scored in the Ashland Stakes (G1) in April and owns last year’s Pocahontas (G3). With Dylan Davisaboard from post six, she arrives with solid preparations despite missing the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) due to a quarantine.

Her luxurious support comes from Nitrogen (Medaglia d’Oro) of D.J. Stable, who was narrowly beaten in the Belmont Oaks (G1) on turf, ending a five-race winning streak. Among those wins was a dominant dirt debut in June, when she cruised by 17 lengths in the Wonder Again (G3), transferred to a sloppy track. Casse is confident she can handle a dry surface, with José Ortiz again in the irons from post four.

The main resistance comes from the barn of Brad Cox, a two-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer, with Good Cheer (Medaglia D’Oro, Godolphin), undefeated in seven starts before a subpar fifth in the Acorn, and Margie’s Intention (Honor A.P.), second in the Delaware Oaks (G3) and winner of the Black-Eyed Susan (G2). Luis Saez and the elder Ortiz brother will ride them, respectively.

There is also international interest with Queen Azteca (Sharp Azteca), representing Team Valor and traveling from Norway with Joel Rosario, following campaigns in Sweden, Dubai, and new wins back in Scandinavia. Kinzie Queen (McKinzie), third in the Delaware Oaks, completes the field.

The Alabama, carded as the 10th race of a 12-race card with first post at 12:35 p.m. ET, will be contested over 1 1/4 miles of dirt. As always at Saratoga, it promises thrilling action and outcomes that extend far beyond the wire. For Casse, it could be the afternoon of a long-awaited dream.