Cyrus Alexander Scores at Santa Anita

Cyrus Alexander, a $1.7 million Keeneland September yearling purchase, was an impressive 2 ½ length winner of Thursday’s $58,000 allowance feature at Santa Anita, as he covered a flat mile under Rafael Bejarano in 1:36.42.  Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, “Cy” sat a close third at the rail into the far turn, angled two-wide turning for home and overtook pacesetter Commute approaching the sixteenth pole and won in hand while racing a bit greenly late.

“He doesn’t like the inside, but he’s learning,” said Hollendorfer assistant Dan Ward.  “He still doesn’t know everything—He got the lead, he ducked in, he changed leads again…It’s just taken him awhile.  That’s why we give him time in between races.”

Off as the 3-2 favorite in a field of six 3-year-olds, Cyrus Alexander, who is owned by Spendthrift Farm, LLC and Stonestreet Stables, LLC, he paid $5.00, $2.80 and $2.10.  A Kentucky-bred colt by Medaglia d’Oro, Cyrus Alexander broke his maiden two starts back on Feb. 7 and improved his overall mark to 7-2-3-2.  With the winner’s share of $34,800, he ran his earnings to $115,840.

“He’s broken slow and been farther back the last few times but he always came running,” said Bejarano.  “Today, I wanted to put him in the race earlier.  I wanted to make sure he was in the race and that would make it easier to get a position.  I think he’ll move up off of this race.”

Ridden by Elvis Trujillo, Commute broke running from post four and was second, one length in front of Rock Shandy.  Off at 7-2, Commute paid $3.60 and $2.80.

Rock Shandy settled nicely at the rail with Victor Espinoza and was fifth, about 7 ¾ lengths off the lead as the field turned down the backside but couldn’t muster the necessary rally.  The second choice at 2-1, he paid $2.40 to show.

Ward indicated the Grade III, 1 1/16 miles Affirmed Stakes on June 7 could be next for the winner.

Source: Santa Anita Park