Alabama Stakes 2025 Contenders & Picks
1. Margie’s Intention (8-1; Ortiz Jr./Cox)
The longer shot from the Cox barn, Margie’s Intention has three wins and three seconds in seven starts. She captured a big payday in May at the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes over Paris Lily and Kinzie Queen. This will be her first mile-and-a-quarter race and first start against a Grade 1 field.
2. Good Cheer (8/5; Saez/Cox)
One of Godolphin’s prized fillies, Good Cheer has won seven of eight career starts. Her only loss came on a muddy track in the Acorn Stakes, finishing fifth behind La Cara. She excelled in the Kentucky Oaks prior to that. With a longer break this time and a fast track forecast, the Medaglia d’Oro filly looks primed to handle the extra quarter-mile.
3. Kinzie Queen (15-1; Alvarado/Compton)
Compton’s runner has only two wins in 13 starts, making her one of the field’s longest shots. A closer by style, she has trifecta potential, but winning seems unlikely against this stacked field. She’s well-bred and could improve as a 4-year-old.
4. Nitrogen (9/5; J. Ortiz/Casse)
Medaglia d’Oro’s other entry could duel with Good Cheer. Nitrogen dominated in her dirt debut at the G2 Wonder Again, then finished second in the Belmont Oaks on turf. Jose Ortiz, a three-time winner of this race, rides this talented filly against her toughest competition yet.
5. Queen Azteca (12-1; Rosario/Petersen)
A long shot with international experience, Queen Azteca comes from Sweden and previously ran fifth in the U.A.E. Derby against males. Untested at this distance, she may surprise but faces long odds.
6. La Cara (5/2; Davis/Casse)
The field’s primary speed horse, La Cara must sustain her pace over 10 furlongs. Dylan Davis rides the Street Sense filly, but her inconsistency and the added distance make her a risky frontrunner.
Prediction:
Good Cheer vs. La Cara for the win, with Good Cheer taking the edge. The closing style of Good Cheer seems more reliable than betting on La Cara to go wire-to-wire.
Top Finishers: 2-6-1-4