Alms stays unbeaten with win in Jimmy Durante Stakes

DEL MAR, Calif. - There was a big-race win for Alms in November after all.

In late October, Alms was withdrawn from consideration for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita on Nov. 1 after she got sick.

Four weeks later, Alms remained unbeaten after three races with a smart win in Saturday’s Grade 3 Jimmy Durante Stakes for 2-year-old fillies at a mile on turf at Del Mar.

Ridden by Paco Lopez, Alms closed from fourth in a field of 11 to win by 2 3/4 lengths in 1:36.01 on a turf course rated good. Alms earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 88.

“I had a perfect trip,” Lopez said. “She gave me a good kick and put me right there.”

The $102,106 Durante Stakes is the lone stakes for 2-year-old fillies on turf at Del Mar’s four-week autumn meeting.

Alms took the lead in early stretch and was not threatened late. Laura’s Light, a 24-1 outsider, set the pace and held second, finishing a half-length in front of 9-10 favorite Princesa Caroline. Princesa Caroline, sixth early, closed some ground in early stretch and finished 3 1/4 lengths behind Alms.

Croughavouke, who finished sixth in the BC Juvenile Fillies Turf, finished fourth, followed by Applecross, Overjoyed, A G Indy, Guitty, Homehome, Wise Rachel, and Seahawk Lisa.

Alms, who is by City Zip, races for owner and breeder Sheikh Mohammed’s Godolphin Racing and is trained by Mike Stidham. Alms started around two turns for the first time on Saturday.

Alms won a maiden special weight race at six furlongs on turf at Belmont Park on Sept. 19 and the Grade 3 Matron Stakes at six furlongs on turf there on Oct. 5. She has earned $183,750.