Up and coming trainer Jack Pilkington broke the ice at his home track of Hawkesbury on Thursday when Alabama State beat the older horses to become the seventh first crop winner for his young sire Alabama Express.
Alabama State has had little luck in some strong races including a last start fourth to highly rated colt Roselyn’s Star and finally had the cards fall his way.
He had the perfect run in transit under Jason Collett tucked in behind the leader and when switched into the clear was strong to the line to win by the best part of a length.
“I never had any doubt about his talent,” said Jack Pilkington.
“He’s just had some bad luck in his races and bad barriers and today it all went right and he was too good.
“He’s had five starts, so win lose or draw he was always going to have a break after today and will now go for a six week spell.”
An $80,000 Magic Millions Book 2 purchase from Yulong for Jack Pilkington/Jamie Piggott, Alabama State runs for an ownership group that includes well known Sydney owner / breeder Peter Horwitz in whose colours he runs.
Bred by Yulong, Alabama State is the second winner from Bouquet de Flores (USA), a speedy stakes-placed half-sister by Street Cry to Group II winner Lazuli and stakes-winner Inspiriter, the dam of Group III winner Leading Spirit.
Second dam Floristry was a juvenile stakes-winner by champion 2YO Fasliyev that had three wins at two, so the precocity shown by Alabama State is not unexpected.
Alabama State is the seventh winner – one in New Zealand – for Alabama Express, who was super busy at Yulong last spring covering 206 mares.
