Alms returns a winner in Shantel Lanerie Memorial

Alms began her 3-year-old season doing the same thing she did throughout her 2-year-old campaign – winning a turf race.

Almost won three of them in 2019, including the Grade 3 Matron over six furlongs at Belmont Park and the Grade 3 Jimmy Durante over one mile at Del Mar, and she was miles the best Saturday at Fair Grounds in the $60,000 Shantel Lanerie Memorial Stakes.

Stalking the pace from fourth under Paco Lopez, Alms was slightly slow to settle early in the one-mile Lanerie but eventually got into a good rhythm while pulling a favorable trip. Lopez let her range up to pacesetting American Legend and Trickle In past the quarter pole, Alms took over, and despite half jumping tracks left on the course from the starting gate, won easily. She crossed the line 4 1/4 lengths in front of Dominga, who rallied to get second over Pass the Plate, ran one mile over a course rated good in 1:39.32, and paid $2.60 to win.

“I think the sky’s the limit for her,” said Mike Stidham, who trains Alms for her breeder, Godolphin. “She’s got a load of talent.”

Alms is by City Zip out of Charity Belle, by Empire Maker, and while her pedigree alone wouldn’t rule out a move to dirt, Stidham said last month there were no plans to try Alms on the main track. Her upcoming goal is the Florida Oaks at Tampa Bay Downs next month.