Royal Delta - 2011 TVG Alabama (G1)

Royal Delta denied It's Tricky a sweep of the TVG Triple Tiara with a runaway victory in the 131st running of the Grade 1, $500,000 TVG Alabama on Saturday at Saratoga Race Course.

Third behind Alabama starters It's Tricky and Plum Pretty in the Grade 1 TVG Coaching Club American Oaks at the Spa on July 23, Royal Delta emphatically reversed the form of that race, blowing past favored It's Tricky at the eighth-pole of the 1 ¼-mile TVG Alabama to post a 5 ½-length victory.

Royal Delta settled in third as she skimmed the rail, raced two lengths off the pace behind Plum Pretty's moderate fractions of 49.31 and 1:13.12. Waiting as It's Tricky ranged up to the lead nearing the quarter-pole, she rallied outside horses to take the lead in midstretch, and widened the margin despite ducking in sharply and brushing the rail after forging to the front.

Off as the 5-1 fifth choice in the field of six 3-year-old fillies, Royal Delta returned $13 to her backers in the crowd of 33,380. The final time was 2:03.13.

Both jockey Jose Lezcano and Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott credited Royal Delta for relaxing in the early stages of the race.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• royal
• delta
• nyra
• horse
• racing
• alabama
• mott
• lezcano
• tvg
• saratoga
• its
• tricky
• plum
• pretty

[puritianB]

This is a prelude to The Travers. Can Shackleford win on the front end or will it be someone else in the 1st flight of horses. Whoever it is will have a tough time if Shackleford relaxes & runs in the rear of the 1st flight? I had Royal Delta as Its Tricky had won 2 tough races, and in doing so, had done in Plum Pretty who needs a rest. Its Tricky should also take a break for the Breeders Cup.

[rockybudgeboa]

I think its time to find a new rider for Inglorious

[WolfCreekCity]

No Triple Tiara :'(