But decisions must be made. For this I get paid the big bucks. [Just in case anyone isn't sure, I do these highlights purely out of love for the Saratoga meet, and at my leisure.] So here is my next selection.
Highlight # 2
Princess of Sylmar, winning the CCA Oaks & the Alabama
Just a few weeks before, on opening weekend at the Spa, she trounced the field in the Coaching Club American Oaks.
(click to enlarge any photo)
Princess trounces in the CCA Oaks by Bob Mayberger |
She had previously won the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in May, driving furiously in the stretch to make the finish line first by half a length. Now in the Alabama, Saratoga's premier stakes race for 3 year old fillies, Princess of Sylmar was going for her 3rd consecutive Grade 1.
The daughter of Majestic Warrior, the 2007 Hopeful winner [which means she has 2 of Secretariat's daughter's on the sire side: Weekend Surprise and Take Heart] and Storm Dixie [which means she has another daughter of Secretariat on the dam side: Terlingua], was now the favorite--quite a change from her 39-1 status in the Kentucky Oaks.
And she did not disappoint.
Princess takes the Alabama lead by Adam Coglianese |
Princess in total command by Bob Mayberger |
The following month, Princess won her 4th Grade 1 in a row at Belmont, beating Royal Delta in the Beldame.
[In her final start of the year at Santa Anita, she stumbled out of the gate in the Breeders' Cup Distaff, and was never a factor.]
A great filly with great performances providing great thrills at Saratoga.
We are awaiting the decisions of trainer Todd Pletcher and owner Ed Stanco (who grew up in Schenectady) for Princess of Sylmar's 4 year old campaign for 2014.
Next up in this series, #'s 3 & 4.