Alternation stamped himself as one of the leaders -- if not the leader -- of the older males division when he defeated a top-notch field of runners in the $400,000 Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II) this afternoon at Oaklawn Park.
Ridden to victory by Luis Quinonez, Alternation got off to a quick start and went straight to the lead while setting a moderate pace of :23.91 and :48.30. Yawanna Twist was about a length behind in second, followed by Don Dulce and Stachys. Hymn Book, winner of the Donn Handicap (gr. I), was racing in fifth, followed by Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) winner Ron the Greek, 2011 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) runner-up Nehro, and stretch-running Win Willy.
Alternation continued to lead the way down the backstretch and around the far turn, with Yawanna Twist on his outside and Stachys along the rail. Ron the Greek and Hymn Book were also making runs at him, but both needed racing room as the field turned for home.
Although Hymn Book never really threatened even when free of traffic, Ron the Greek was able to find a seam in between horses and made a bold run at the long time leader. However, Alternation simply had too much left in the tank, closing his final eighth of a mile in a sharp :12.47 to win by about two lengths in the end.
Ron the Greek finished second, while Yawanna Twist and Hymn Book rounded out the superfecta.
-Keelerman
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