Alternation perfect in 2012 as he downed the Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn Park
Trainer Donnie K. Von Hemel credited a switch to blinkers, which helped the Pin Oak Stable’s, Alternation reach his true potential he showed as a 3-year-old, and after bagging his first start of the season, the Essex Handicap at Oaklawn Park, Alternation
went 2 in 2 in as many starts, when he bagged the Grade 3, $125,000 Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn Park on 10 March, 2012.
In a small field of 6, Alternation was up against a highly regarded duo of Tapizar and Win Willy. Tapizar was sent as the 11 to 10 favourite to win the race under jockey Corey Nakatani for trainer Steven Asmussen.
To begin with there wasn’t much pace in the race, but Tapizar was always a threat with the ability to dial his pace up and down, so Alternation under Luis Quinonez had to be wary of that.
On the inside, Alternation was able to dictate the pace, as he carved fractions of 23.62 seconds for the opening quarter mile, 47.13 seconds for the half mile and 1 minute and 11.88 seconds for the 6 furlong marker.
Alternation was allowed to take the lead going into the first turn, and the Distorted Humor colt never relinquished it, defeating the 11 to 10 favourite by a margin of 1 ½ lengths.
"When we saw there wasn’t much of a pace in here, we wanted to see if we could ask him to be close knowing that Tapizar was the only speed," he said. "Then we get to the first turn and we’re in front, so you’re not going to change now. I’m just glad we were
able to seize the opportunity, and it’s great to know he’s developed this versatility. He’s shown that he’s not just a deep closer. People will have to respect him because he can take advantage of a race when it presents itself.”
Out of mare Alternate by Seattle Slew, the Kentucky bred covered the 1 1/16 mile test in 1 minute and 43.50 seconds over the Oaklawn Park’s fast track as Tapizar finished second and Color Me Blue third, while Win Willy, who was making his first start since
winning the last years Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap trailed the field throughout, and finished sixth as he completed the order of finish.
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