Alsvid Breaks Through in Count Fleet Sprint

 

Alsvid broke on top, but settled into third as Picko’s Pride set the early tempo through an opening quarter mile in :21 1/5 and :44. Ivan Fallanovalot took over entering the stretch and appeared to be on his way to an easy victory before Alsvid collared him late for the win by three-quarters of a length. His final time of 1:08 1/5 was the fastest six furlongs of the meet and the fastest in the Count Fleet since Bonapaw won it in 1:08 in 2001. 

 

“He literally broke a length in front,” Hartman said. “Chris (Landeros) rides this horse really good - knows him well. He tucked him in third, saved some for the end, and he came running down the middle.”

 

The Count Fleet was Hartman's meet-high 30th winner and placed him four victories ahead of Steve Asmussen heading into the final two days of the meet.

 

“I would love to be leading trainer at Oaklawn,” Hartman said. “It would be a highlight of my career, for sure. But this win is very gratifying, especially for the horse.”

 

Gentlemen’s Bet, the 4-5 favorite, never fired and finished last.

 

“It wasn't quite the race I was hoping for, but that's horse racing,” said trainer Ron Moquett. “You win a few you don't think you will, and then sometimes you don't run as well as you think you could have. As long as the horse is alright and the rider is okay, we'll rack 'em up and do it again.”

The Count Fleet Sprint Handicap win improved Alsvid’s record to 12 wins from 29 victories and he has now earned $933,465.

 

Live racing resume Friday at Oaklawn with the $600,000 Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) and $100,000 Bachelor Stakes among the 10 races that begin at 1:30 p.m. The meet concludes Saturday with the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) and three other stakes.

Trainer Chris Hartman praised jockey Chris Landeros for the ride.

"He literally broke a length in front," Hartman said. "Chris rides this horse really good - knows him well. He tucked him third and saved some for the end and he came running down the middle."

The Count Fleet was Hartman's meet-high 30th winner.

"I would love to be leading trainer at Oaklawn," Hartman said. "It would be a highlight of my career, for sure. But this win is very gratifying, especially for the horse."

Winning jockey Chris Landeros – “I had a great trip. He broke running today and he knew what was going on. I have a lot of history with this horse and I knew to take my time. He can get a little tough early and really will do whatever you want. I knew they were flying up front and it set up perfect. I was just waiting for that last 3/16ths punch from him and I caught it at the right time today. He gave me a 110% and that’s all that I ask. He’s as honest horse as they come and I’m very blessed to be a part of it.”

Jockey Mike Smith, Gentlemen’s Bet- “He wasn’t comfortable on his right side. He kept trying to get off of it and I tried him a couple times but he wanted no part of it. He’s too classy to try and make him do something he didn’t want to do. He’s usually eager when he runs and I decided to be cautious with him instead of not.”

Ron Moquett- trainer beaten favorite Gentlemen's Bet: "It wasn't quite the race I was hoping for, but that's horse racing. You win a few you don't think you will, and then sometimes you don't run as well as you think you could have. As long as the horse is alright and the rider is okay, we'll rack 'em up and do it again."

Tom Howard, trainer #2 Ivan Fallunovalot: “He ran his heart out and he ran his race, but then they came and got him. He did his best, but it wasn't enough.”