Sis City Breezes Toward Alabama

Stonerside Stable's Sis City, winner of the Ashland Stakes (gr. I) earlier this year, breezed seven furlongs in 1:27 3/5 over the main Saratoga Race Course track Thursday morning with Rudy Rodriguez aboard. The filly is scheduled to make her next start in the Alabama (gr. I) Aug. 20.

"We'll breeze her a little bit more next week for the race," trainer Richard Dutrow said.

With Mother Goose and Coaching Club American Oaks, both grade I, winner Smuggler out of the Alabama after spiking a fever, Dutrow likes his filly's chances even more.

"I hope it keeps falling apart and I hope we stay together," Dutrow said when asked about his thoughts on the 3-year-old filly division. "She's done good since she's been up here."

In her last start, Sis City finished fourth over a sloppy track in the Delaware Oaks (gr. II).

"She didn't come out of her last race the way we wanted her to, but she's come around the right way," Dutrow said. "She worked really well this morning."

Dutrow added that Whitney Handicap (gr. I) runner-up Saint Liam looks well after Saturday's effort and is being pointed to the Woodward (gr. I) at Belmont Park Sept.10.

The trainer said he plans on nominating a few speed horses to the race to ensure that Whitney winner Commentator is not alone on the lead.