Nitrogen Holds Off Good Cheer to Win Alabama
D. J. Stable’s homebred Nitrogen showed that her off-the-turf victory in the June 7 Wonder Again Stakes (G3) was no fluke as she defeated the former leaders of the 3-year-old filly division Aug. 16 in the Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course.
Godolphin’s Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Good Cheer —also by the sire of the winner, Medaglia d’Oro —returned to form with a solid second-place finish, beaten about 1 1/2 lengths. WinStar Farm and Tom Mueller’s Margie’s Intention finished third.
Nitrogen stalked the pacesetter, her Mark Casse stablemate La Cara , and took over in early stretch. Good Cheer made a late run but was unable to reel in the winner, who drifted out twice through the lane.
Final time for 1 1/4 miles on the fast dirt was 2:03.31. Jose Ortiz rode the winner.
This story will be updated.
