The 2025 Alabama Stakes is set to be one of the marquee races of the Saratoga summer meet. Scheduled for Saturday, August 16, this Grade 1 dirt race for 3-year-old fillies covers 1¼ miles and offers a $600,000 purse.
With a blend of undefeated champions, surface switchers, and seasoned speedsters, the 2025 Alabama Stakes promises a tactical battle from start to finish. While outsiders like Margie’s Intention (8/1), Kinzie Queen (15/1), and Queen Azteca (12/1) could influence the pace, expect the final furlong to be dominated by the trio of Good Cheer, Nitrogen, and La Cara.
Let’s take a look at the three horses worth betting on in the Alabama Stakes:
If you’re only betting on one horse in the 2025 Alabama Stakes, Nitrogen offers the most intrigue. Primarily a turf performer, she shocked many when romping by 17 lengths in the Grade 3 Wonder Again, moved to dirt due to weather, posting one of the fastest speed figures in the division this year. Trained by Mark Casse and piloted by Jose Ortiz, Nitrogen has the versatility and acceleration to make a serious impact in her first dirt Grade 1.
Why bet on Nitrogen?
If you’re building trifecta or exacta tickets, Nitrogen is the high-upside play to key on top.
La Cara has one gear, fast, and she uses it to great effect. Winner of the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes and Grade 1 Acorn Stakes, she already has beaten division leaders, including Good Cheer. Her early speed is unmatched in this field, and if she gets comfortable on the front end, she could wire the field at a distance she’s never tried before.
Why bet on La Cara?
La Cara is a must-use in exactas, especially if you think the pace scenario will be moderate.
Good Cheer came into the Acorn Stakes with a spotless record, highlighted by a decisive Kentucky Oaks win. A sloppy track compromised her in that race, where she finished fifth, but trainer Brad Cox insists she’s back to peak form. With Luis Saez aboard, expect Good Cheer to sit just off the leaders and make her move turning for home, especially with the added distance likely playing to her stamina-rich pedigree.
Why bet on Good Cheer?
If she returns to her Oaks form, Good Cheer could easily reclaim her spot atop the 3-year-old filly rankings.
The 2025 Alabama Stakes will be held on Saturday, August 16, at Saratoga Race Course, with a projected post time of 5:44 p.m. ET. This dirt classic will be broadcast live on major racing networks and streaming platforms.
To bet on the Alabama Stakes online, check out BUSR racebook, offering fixed odds, live video, and exotic bet types like exactas, trifectas, and superfectas.
If you’re looking for Alabama Stakes betting picks, focus your wagers around Nitrogen, the turf star turned dirt sensation. Pair her with La Cara, the controlling speed, and Good Cheer, the proven champion looking for redemption.
Whether you’re playing a win bet, daily double, or multi-race exotic, these three fillies give you the best chance to cash in on one of the summer’s most prestigious races.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
