Trainers Mark Casse and Brad Cox, both recognized in the Paulick Report, are set to compete with strong contenders in the $600,000 Alabama Stakes (G1) on Saturday at Saratoga, marking the 10th furlong challenge for three-year-old fillies.
Mark Casse, a celebrated member of both the US and Canadian Racing Halls of Fame with multiple Canadian Triple Crown wins and part ownership of the US Triple Crown, is determined to conquer Alabama. He will enter two elite fillies from his barn: La Cara and Nitrogen. La Cara, a homebred Kentucky filly and a Grade 1 winner, last raced in the Acorn Stakes in June and is described by Casse as an expert who thrives in her work. Despite missing the Coaching Club American Oaks due to a stable injury scare, she remains in strong form and is piloted by jockey Dylan Davis from post 6. La Cara, a full sibling to notable stakes winners, has impressed in graded stakes since last year.
Nitrogen, owned by DJ Stable, seeks her first win this year after finishing second to Fion in the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks Invitational. Trained by Casse, Nitrogen has a remarkable five-race winning streak including victories at Gulfstream Park, Tampa Bay Downs, Keeneland, and Churchill Downs. She showed adaptability by winning impressively on a sealed dirt track in June, earning a career-best Beyer Speed figure. Jose Ortiz returns to ride her from post 4, and Casse is confident she can handle the upcoming conditions.
Brad Cox enters two formidable fillies as well: Good Cheer, winner of the Kentucky Oaks, and Margie’s Intentions, a Grade 2 winner. Good Cheer, trained for Godolphin, has an undefeated streak that includes wins at Churchill Downs and the Acorn Stakes where she notably defeated La Cara. Cox’s assistant, Blake Cox, highlighted the rare achievement of an undefeated Kentucky Oaks winner and aims for a strong finish to the season. Margie’s Intentions, after a successful debut with Cox following a transfer, claimed victory in the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes and impressed with her toughness in adverse weather conditions. She was purchased as a two-year-old for $185,000 and shows promising potential.
Internationally, Queen Aztec from Team Valor International, trained in Norway and racing in Sweden and Dubai, joins the field. She claimed the Group 3 UAE Oaks and competed respectably in the UAE Derby. Purchased for $22,000 last fall, this Kentucky-bred filly boasts a strong pedigree linked to the Hall of Fame. Kinsey Queen, trained by John Holeman and Greg Compton, completes the lineup, having placed well in graded stakes including the Delaware Oaks.
This story was initially reported by Paulick Report on August 11, 2025.
Fan Take: The Alabama Stakes promises a thrilling showdown among top-tier three-year-old fillies, showcasing rising stars and proven champions alike. This race highlights the depth of talent in the current crop, making it a must-watch for horse racing enthusiasts eager to see who will emerge as the leading filly of the year.
