Alabama winner likely for Cotillion

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Bensalem, PA (Sports Network) - Questing, winner of last week's Alabama Stakes at Saratoga Race Course, is a probable starter in the $1 million Cotillion Stakes at Parx Racing.

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin indicated on Sunday that the three-year-old filly will likely start in the 1 1/16 mile Cotillion on Sept. 22. Questing, owned by Godolphin Racing, demolished the opposition by nine lengths in the Alabama.

"Since I've been training, that was one of the most impressive performances I've ever had," said McLaughlin. "We won by 20 lengths in Dubai years ago with a horse named Key of Luck. Cigar ran 30 minutes later, we ran 1 1/4 miles on the dirt faster than Cigar did. That was the most impressive, or on the same level. It was like Questing went out in the morning and went 1 1/4 miles on her own."

Despite the absence of Kentucky Oaks winner Believe You Can, Questing defeated a field in the Alabama that included Delaware Oaks winner Grace Hall and Mother Goose Stakes champ Zo Impressive.

"I think the dirt has been a big help because she pulls hard. And pulling on the turf doesn't work, usually. But this was unbelievable," McLaughlin noted.

The Cotillion has been one of the important late season stakes for three-year- old fillies. Last year the race was won by Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty. Two years ago Havre de Grace came in first defeating 2010 champion filly Blind Luck and in 2009 Careless Jewel won the race after claiming the Alabama.