Teammate may speed-pop 'em

NEW YORK - Saturday's two richest stakes races happen to be for 3-year-old fillies - the $600,000 Alabama Stakes at Saratoga and the $400,000 Del Mar Oaks on the turf. But Saturday isn't entirely "3-year-old filly day," as Monmouth Park offers the $250,000 Philip H. Iselin Breeders' Cup Stakes. The biggest race of the weekend, however, is on Sunday - Del Mar's signature event, the $1 million Pacific Classic.

Alabama

Bushfire aside, the results of this year's important 3-year-old filly stakes have produced a different winner almost every time. Out of 20 Grade 1 and 2 3-year-old filly stakes on dirt so far this year, there have been 16 different winners. In other words, form hasn't meant a lot with this group. So I'm thinking upset, and I'm going with Teammate.

Teammate was dreadful in the Acorn three starts back off a layoff, had a troubled start when fifth in the Mother Goose, then tried middle-moving without success last out when fifth again in the CCA Oaks. But the situation in the Alabama is ripe for a much-improved effort from Teammate. Wonder Lady Anne L has speed, but doesn't want the early lead. The same goes for Adieu. Teammate could pop right to the front in this race. The last time Teammate controlled the pace, which also was the last opportunity she had to go two turns, she romped in the Bonnie Miss in an effort that was as good as any by a 3-year-old filly this year.

Ellis Park BC Turf Cup

There is a lot of early speed in here. Flying Glitter wants the lead, as does Radiant Avie. Victoire Bataille likes to mix it up early, and there are a few others who like to prompt from close range. This makes for a scenario of a strong early pace setting it up for a closer, and Machinale is the play to capitalize.

Machinale is by far the most inexperienced member of this field, with only three starts, and she has raced only once in this country. But she was well meant in her one U.S. start, in June at Hollywood Park, sent off the 8-5 favorite. Although her third-place finish in that allowance spot might appear disappointing at first glance, it was actually a creditable performance. She was severely compromised by extremely slow fractions, yet managed to gain ground in the stretch even though the field was coming home quickly. This race sets up much better for Machinale, and her new trainer, Patrick Biancone, wins at a very good clip with new additions to his barn.

Pacific Classic

Let's be real: Lava Man is going to take some beating in this race. Even though he was 3-5 last time out in the Hollywood Gold Cup, he really had no business winning after the tough trip he had. The fact that he did prevail to stretch his perfect record this year to five was a testament to his courage and ability. Moreover, the lack of meaningful other early speed in this Pacific Classic will only enhance the chances of Lava Man, who likes to be involved from the start. But for those who don't want to take a short price, and Lava Man might not be any higher than even money, Magnum is an intriguing alternative.

Magnum was beaten little more than a length when fourth behind Lava Man in the Hollywood Gold Cup, but there are reasons to believe he did not run his best race that day. Magnum contested the early pace, and even though the fractions were slow, that is not how he likes to run. He is far more effective coming from off the pace. Magnum also might have regressed off his relatively fast win in the Lone Star Park Handicap two starts back. Magnum was getting to Lava Man when beaten less than a length in the Big Cap. If Magnum rebounds with one of his faster efforts, he'll give Lava Man a run for his money at much better odds.

Saturday

Saratoga: Alabama Stakes
Fillies, 3-years-old, 1 1/4 miles
Approximate post: Eastern-5:20 p.m., Central-4:20 p.m., Mountain-3:20 p.m., Pacific-2:20 p.m.; Saratoga Springs, N. Y., forecast: Chance of thunderstorms, 86¦

Odds by Art Gropper

Ellis Park: Ellis Park Breeders' Cup Turf
Fillies and mares, 3 and up, 1 1/16 miles, turf
Approximate post: E-5:57 p.m., C-4:57 p.m., M-3:57 p.m., P-2:57 p.m.; Henderson, Ky., forecast: Chance of thunderstorms, 88¦

Track morning line odds

Sunday

Del Mar: Pacific Classic
3 and up, 1 1/4 miles
Approximate post: E-7:43 p.m., C-6:43 p.m., M-5:43 p.m., P-4:43 p.m.; Del Mar, Calif., forecast: Sunny, 78¦

Odds by Michael Hammersly