GRECIAN FIRE ESCAPES THE ALCATRAZ STAKES WITH $75,000
Albany, Calif. (May 14, 2017) — Grecian Fire, trained by Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, held the pace then was much the best in the stretch to win by 1 ΒΌ lengths. Ridden by William Antongeorgi III, Grecian Fire completed today’s route in 1:37.81. The performance rewarded fans $11.00 for their $2 wager. The runner up, More Power To Him, trained by Faith Taylor, kept pace to the turn then moved outside to close in late for the nod. The $75,000 Alcatraz stake is on the turf for three year olds and institutes a track record time of 1:33.40, accomplished on March 22, 1980.
“My horse was running in spots in the last race and so I felt ok coming back in two weeks. Actually, jockey Frank Alvarado, told me to try some blinkers on the horse and I was going to do that anyway. I was surprised he didn’t ride him back. He kept to his task a little better today; he’s a really nice colt and Unusual Heat has a good record as a sire. I didn’t know if Moger’s horse would go or not, but I thought we would have tactical speed,” said trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.
“We wanted him to get on his way. The last time he won, he was right up on his lead. Jerry put blinkers on him so we wanted to get him out on his way. The one went so we sat off him then toward the quarter pole the horse on the outside headed us and I got into him left handed and he responded for me and kicked back on. And he ran very game. He was on his toes in the paddock and in the post parade. I knew he would be alive out there and he dug in for me,” said jockey William Antongeorgi III.
Live racing will resume next Thursday, May 18. Live music will run now through the end of the meet on June 18th. Tickets are available online for our Belmont Wine Festival, June 10th. Come out and celebrate the last leg of the Triple Crown and taste wines from around the world.