Alternation Posts Half-Mile Bullet at Oaklawn

Pin Oak Stable’s multiple stakes winner Alternation, who has been keeping a weekly pattern of works since Jan. 19, posted a bullet half-mile workout in 48 2/5 Thursday as he continues preparations for this 5-year-old debut in either the March 9 Razorback Handicap (G3) or April 13 Oaklawn Handicap (G2). Last year, he won both races as well as the Essex Handicap.

“He picked up a little company early and finished up well,” said trainer Donnie K. Von Hemel. “Our hope, depending on how February goes with the weather and all, that we could get to a race like [the Razorback].”

Alternation, who in addition to his three victories at Oaklawn won the Pimlico Special (G3) and Governor’s Cup at Remington, has not started since an uncharacteristic sixth-place finish in the Hawthorne Gold Cup Oct. 6. 

“I don’t think he was tired so much,” said Von Hemel. “The performance at Hawthorne was certainly no good and when we looked at what was left on the calendar the rest of the year, we decided, if we were going to run him this year, we would have to freshen him up anyway. We are happy with how things have gone, and like I said, depending on the weather this month we should be able to have some fun with him here before it’s too late.”