Del Mar notes: Fiftyshadesofhay heading to Saratoga for Alabama

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DEL MAR, Calif. - Fiftyshadesofhay, winner of the Grade 3 Iowa Oaks and Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes in her last two starts, will step up and take on the elite of the 3-year-old filly division in the Grade 1 Alabama Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 17 following an impressive workout at Del Mar on Tuesday morning, trainer Bob Baffert said.

Fiftyshadesofhay worked in company with the older Book Review, and though both received a clocking of 1:12.80 for six furlongs, Fiftyshadesofhay appeared to be going the easier of the two under jockey Martin Garcia, and she galloped out strongly, a mile in 1:37 and change on Baffert’s watch.

“She’s going to the Alabama,” Baffert said. “I had to see something like that today.”

Futurity next for Alberts Hope

The Grade 1, $300,000 Del Mar Futurity for 2-year-olds on closing day Sept. 4 is the next stop for Alberts Hope, according to his trainer, Mike Puype, who celebrated his 47th birthday Sunday. Alberts Hope remained unbeaten with his victory Sunday in the Grade 2 Best Pal Stakes.

Alberts Hope is now 2 for 2, having defeated maidens in his debut at Betfair Hollywood Park on July 14 when ignored at 33-1.

“He was a pleasant surprise first time out because I didn’t push on him,” said Puype, who trains Alberts Hope for the Jaam Racing stable of Jason Tackitt. “I think there’s more there.”

Alberts Hope is a gelding by Run Away and Hide who cost just $40,000 at auction last October as a yearling. He won $90,000 Sunday to bring his career total to $121,200.

“He owes nobody nothing after a win like this,” Puype said.

Corporate Jungle still recovering

Corporate Jungle, who suffered a career-ending sesamoid injury in the Wickerr Stakes on July 24, was doing better Tuesday morning after giving trainer Tom Proctor a scare Monday, Proctor said.

“I was worried he might be foundering, but he’s doing okay now,” Proctor said Tuesday. “He got through the night all right.”

[DEL MAR 2013: Complete meet coverage, schedule, race replays]

Corporate Jungle injured his right front ankle, so among the fears during his recovery is founder in the left front.

“He was a little stressed out yesterday,” Proctor said. “I think we’re okay, but I’m a little more guarded than I was two days ago.