Scalable ends skid with strong form in Turnback the Alarm
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Scalable ended a four-race losing streak since late March with a commanding win in Sunday’s $169,750 Turnback the Alarm Stakes for fillies and mares at Belmont Park.
Closing from fourth in a field of five, Scalable took the lead in the final furlong and won by 9 1/4 lengths, finishing 1 1/8 miles in 1:47.31.
The winning margin was the widest of Scalable’s career, which includes seven wins in 22 starts and earnings of $908,725.
Ridden by John Velazquez for trainer Todd Pletcher, Scalable ($11.94) stalked 16-1 Standoutsensation, who set an early pace of 23.48 seconds for the opening quarter-mile, and 46.18 for a half-mile.
Donor Advised, the 3-5 favorite, was within a half-length of the front for the first half-mile. Donor Advised challenged Standoutsensation in the stretch, but could not cope with Scalable’s wide rally.
Velazquez said the duel between Standoutsensation and Donor Advised helped Scalable.
“When it happened, it was perfect,” Velazquez told Belmont Park publicity. “I was close to the two of them, making sure they didn't get away too easy.”
Donor Advised held second, 2 3/4 lengths in front of 2-1 Yes It Tiz. Standoutsensation faded to finish fourth.
Pink Ruby and Snowyte were scratched.
Scalable, a 5-year-old mare by Speightstown, is trained by Todd Pletcher for Mike Repole. Scalable won consecutive starts in the Ladies Stakes and Top Flight Stakes at Aqueduct in February and March. She finished second in the Philly Special Stakes at a mile and 70 yards at Parx Racing on Sept. 19.
Scalable won the Grade 3 Monmouth Oaks in 2023, her most prestigious win.
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