George Steinbrenner's filly takes Alabama Stakes

By: SPORTS NETWORK

Saratoga Springs, NY (Sports Network) - Sweet Symphony, owned by George

Steinbrenner and ridden by Hall of Famer Jerry Bailey, made her stakes debut a

winning one on Saturday with a solid victory in the $750,000 Alabama Stakes at

 Saratoga Race Course.

In just her fourth lifetime race, Sweet Symphony posted a six length win over

Spun Sugar, who went off as the 8-5 favorite. The time for the Alabama was 2:04 2/5.

Trained by Bill Mott, Sweet Symphony has now won all four career starts, despite

the fact that she did not appear in a race until three months ago. The win in the

 Alabama was worth $450,000.

Even though several top three-year-old fillies were absent from the Alabama, the

 1 1/4 mile race proved to be a highly competitive event

At the start, Spun Sugar came out of the gate and bumped For All We Know on her

 inside. Sis City took the lead shortly after the start and Spun Sugar then settled into

 second with R Lady Joy running third.

On the turn for home, Spun Sugar grabbed the lead from Sis City. Spun Sugar had

 the lead at the top of the stretch, but coming from off the pace and rolling on the

outside was Sweet Symphony.

Sweet Symphony collared Spun Sugar and quickly gained command with a furlong

 to run before pulling away for the easy win.

Completing the order of finish was R Lady Joy, Sis City, Dance Away Capote,

For All We Know and Ready and Alluring.

Sweet Symphony returned $9.60, $4.00 and $3.10. Spun Sugar paid $3.00 and

$2.40, and R Lady Joy paid $3.20 for show.