The Darby Dan-bred Aliyah got her first victory in her second career start, taking a six furlong maiden special weight race at Oaklawn Park on Apr. 10, closing day of the meet. Aliyah was second in her debut at the Arkansas track on Mar. 18.

Aliyah was prominent throughout the race. She dueled through some quick fractions of :22 and :46 1/5 seconds, then powered away from the field, winning by two lengths in a solid time of 1:10 3/5.

Aliyah was bred, born, raised and sold by Darby Dan. The 3-year-old filly is by Maria's Mon out of Merit Wings. The mare has produced four foals to race, all of whom are winners. Merit Wings was a two-time stakes winner, taking the Sands Point H. and Suffolk County S., earning $163,809 in an 11-race career.  Aliyah was consigned and sold by Darby Dan at the 2008 Keeneland September yearling sale, where she was purchased Donver Stables for $130,000.