Joanne claims thrilling Alabama

Lady Joanne left connections dreaming of a trip to the Breeders’ Cup in late October after gaining a thrilling victory in Saratoga’s Alabama Stakes.

Trained by Carl Nafzger and ridden by Calvin Borel, the Orientate filly sat just off the early pace before grabbing the initiative on straightening up for the final stretch.

Todd Pletcher’s well-fancied Octave, who had upstaged Lady Joanne in the Mother Goose Stakes back in June, could not get by on the rail as Nafzger’s charge dug deep to claim top honours.

She eventually passed the post with a neck in hand of the fast-finishing Lear’s Princess, who in turn had Octave a length and a half away in third.

Lady Joanne survived a subsequent stewards’ inquiry and a delighted Nafzger said: “Calvin just rode an unbelievable race.

“Last time he ran against Octave, she had us inside. This time, we had her inside. It was a tight hole, but it was a good hole.

“We weren’t far back; we were right there on top of them. It was just a matter of holding off the six-horse (Lear’s Princess).”

He continued: “(Lady Joanne) just keeps stepping forward every race. This was the kind of race she was supposed to step forward like she did.

“I’ll probably run her in the Spinster at Keeneland (Grade 1, October 7). The way we’re going now, we'll definitely go to the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Monmouth Park, Oct. 27),” he told www.bloodhorse.com.

Nafzger and Borel have also teamed up to great effect with Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense this year and the latter is enjoying every moment.

Having earned the plaudits for his ride on Lady Joanne, Borel added: “This is unbelievable. It’s like a roller coaster ride.

“If these two horses (Street Sense and Lady Joanne) stay sound, they may be the best horses right now. This filly has turned it around like night and day.”

The Godolphin-trained Folk proved a bitter disappointment, trailing home last of the seven runners.

Trainer Saeed bin Suroor said: “That was a disappointing result. Folk was travelling very well and then when the jockey asked her, she stopped suddenly.

“We need to see how she comes back after the race and check her over,” he told www.godolphin.com.

While Lady Joanne was turning heads in the Alabama, the Christophe Clement-trained Rutherienne landed a Grade One victory of her own in the Del Mar Oaks.

Partnered by Corey Nakatani, the daughter of Pulpit responded gamely in the stretch to record a decisive two-length success over Valbenny.

Clement’s assistant Jane Turner said: “I was a little worried when she had to go wide, but she’s a little bitty thing with a big heart.

“She’ll do what you want her to do. She’s a filly with an attitude. She’s a little package of dynamite, and she lets you know she’s boss.”

Nakatani added: “She has a terrific turn of foot, and you saw that today. I had to time her run just right, not too late, not too soon. That’s my job.

“What a special feeling to win a race like this, a Grade One. She’s a special filly.”