Questing stamped herself as the leading three-year-old filly in the country when she blew the doors off her rivals in Saturday's $600,000 Alabama Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga, putting on an incredible display of raw speed and talent to win the prestigious ten-furlong race by nine lengths.
Ridden to victory by Irad Ortiz Jr., Questing flashed speed right from the start and quickly seized command of the lead by running the opening quarter mile in a stiff :22.84 seconds. Grace Hall, Zo Impressive, and In Lingerie were her closest pursuers, with Via Villaggio, Sea Island, and Uptown Bertie at the back of the pack following some severe bumping entering the first turn.
Up front, Questing continued to showcase her tremendous speed by running the half-mile in :46.01 and three-quarters in a blazing 1:09.74. Grace Hall, Zo Impressive, and In Lingerie continued to track her quick pace as a group, but rounding the far turn Grace Hall and Zo Impressive gave way, leaving Questing and In Lingerie alone to settle the race between them. But in the end, there was nothing to settle. Turning for home, Questing kicked clear of her rival and drew off strongly -- despite ducking back and forth throughout the homestretch -- to win the race by nine lengths in the sharp time of 2:01.29, which was the fastest running of the Alabama since Go For Wand won the race in 1990 and the third-fastest in history.
In Lingerie finished second, eight lengths clear of Via Villaggio. Zo Impressive finished fourth, but was subsequently vanned off with a fracture in her leg. The injury is not life-threatning, but may potentially end her career. Grace Hall, Sea Island, and Uptown Bertie completed the order of finish.
The winner is owned by Godolphin Racing and trained by Kiaran McLaughlin.
-Keelerman
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