Army Wife will face the big girls in Alabama

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Trainer Mike Maker confirmed Thursday he intends to run the steadily improving Army Wife in next Saturday’s Grade 1 Alabama at 1 1/4 miles for 3-year-old fillies.

Three Diamonds Farm’s Army Wife has won three of her four starts this season, including the Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan at Pimlico and Grade 3 Iowa Oaks at Prairie Meadows in her two most recent appearances. Her Beyer Speed Figures have increased with every start since switching to dirt to win a maiden special weight dash last fall at Churchill Downs. A daughter of Declaration of War, Army Wife posted a career-best 90 Beyer in her last outing.

“It’s a big step up, but she’s earned the chance the way she’s doing right now,” Maker said. “She’s really been enjoying Saratoga, and even considering the competition I don’t have any thoughts she will let us down. I’m expecting another big effort from her.”

The field for the Alabama is expected to include Maracuja and Malathaat, the first- and second-place finishers in the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks on July 24, along with Clairiere, Crazy Beautiful, and Will’s Secret.