SARATOGA SPRINGS – With Ashado looming an odds-on favorite, a field of nine 3-year-old fillies was entered yesterday for tomorrow’s Grade 1, $750,000 Alabama Stakes at a mile-and-a-quarter.

Ashado, trained by Todd Pletcher, is far-and-away the leader of her division, with impressive victories in the Kentucky Oaks and Coaching Club American Oaks. She’s also a horse for the course, having won the Schuylerville and Spinaway here last summer.

Tomorrow’s co-feature is the Grade 1, $250,000 Hopeful for 2-year-old colts. Afleet Alex, unbeaten in three starts including the Sanford here July 29, will be heavily favored in a field of seven.