Curalina works for Alabama Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Curalina, elevated to first in the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks here July 26, worked four furlongs in 48.65 seconds over the Saratoga main track in company with Tango Time as she prepares for this coming Saturday’s Grade 1 Alabama Stakes.

Curalina came home in 23.80 seconds and galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.29 and six furlongs in 1:14.90.

Curalina is 4 for 4 this year and has won at distances ranging from seven furlongs to 1 1/8 miles. The Alabama is 1 1/4 miles, and trainer Todd Pletcher believes Curalina is tailor-made for it.

“Everything she’s done, the way she’s handled a mile and an eighth, the way she’s handled a mile and a sixteenth, [she’s] a daughter of Curlin, everything indicates to me she’ll handle it,” Pletcher said.

Others pointing to the Alabama are the Larry Jones-trained duo of Lovely Maria and I’m a Chatterbox, Include Betty, Danette, and Sweetgrass.

Danette, fourth in the CCA Oaks last out, worked five furlongs in 1:01.20 Saturday over the main track.