Alameda County Fair

RESTLESS YOUTH WINS SAM J. WHITING MEMORIAL – 07-11-10

Longtime owner Kjell Qvale and veteran jockey Chad Schvaneveldt teamed up to win the closing day feature on Sunday, as Restless Youth made every pole a winning one, fending off favored Jiggly to win the Sam J. Whiting Memorial Handicap.  Qvale was on hand to witness the victory by his 7-year-old, who won his only other start over the track.

Restless Youth broke like a shot and never looked back, holding off Jiggly by 3/4 of a length and stopping the clock in a swift 1:08.46.

The win capped off a great meet for Schvaneveldt, who also won the Alameda County Fillies and Mares Handicap aboard Miss Pleasant and the Alamedan Handicap aboard Run It.

Later in the day, 3-year-old Goggles McCoy remained undefeated, winning his third straight race under Russell Baze by three lengths, running six furlongs in 1:08.90.  Trainer Steve Sherman indicated on Saturday that if all went well, Goggles McCoy would tackle tougher competition at Del Mar in August.

LUCKARACK PROVES BEST IN EVERETT NEVIN ALAMEDA COUNTY STAKES – 7-10-10

Luckarack, making just his second start, rallied to victory over Lucky Mr. K and Roman Power on Saturday in the Everett Nevin Alameda County Stakes.  On a Hi took a bad step in the final furlong and was pulled up.  The running time for 5 1/2 furlongs was 1:04.77.

Luckarack, breaking from the rail, sat behind a pace battle between Roman Power and Over the Budget.  The 2-year-old rallied nicely around the turn, then kicked clear inside the final furlong to win by 3 1/4 lengths under Frank Alvarado.  Odds-on favorite Lucky Mr. K was off slowly and lacked the needed punch through the lane, settling for second.

Owned and bred by Mr. and Mrs. Larry Williams, Luckarack debuted against $32,000 maiden claimers, winning the 4 1/2 furlong race at Golden Gate Fields last month.

Sharkie won a thrilling Derby Dog Dash Championship over Winston and Camoflage just before the 11th race.  A 15 pound Jack Russell Terrier, Sharkie closed with a rush to prevail narrowly.  Jack, who likely would have been disqualified after starting before the official "Go", was run over in midstretch by Macey, which eliminated the potential controversy of an inquiry.

Closing day of the 2010 Alameda County Fair is tomorrow.  CEO Rick Pickering will be the special guest speaker at the handicapping seminar workshop.  Ray Harris, jockey agent for Russell Baze, will join in to handicap the closing day card.

SAVAN' BRIANNE WINS AGAIN – 07-09-10

Savan' Brianne's record remained unblemished after a convincing win at the Alameda County Fair on Friday.  Blendara rallied willingly for second, and Moon Stone Madness was third.  The running time for six furlongs was a good 1:09.39.  The win capped a stellar day for trainer Steve Sherman, as he won three races on the card.

Ridden by Chad Schvaneveldt, Savan' Brianne ($9.60) won in a the same fashion as her first two starts, by breaking alertly, battling for the lead early, then putting her pace rivals away in the stretch.  On Friday, Savan' Brianne was joined by Moon Stone Madness and Trapper's Bouny for the first quarter mile, but as the field passed the quarter pole, the 3-year-old daughter of Broken Vow started to sneak away.  She pulled clear at the eighth pole and coasted to victory.

Owned by Akin, Goldstein, and Sherman, Savan' Brianne debut in a $20,000 maiden claimer.  After an easy triumph, she returned three weeks later to comfortably handle starter allowance company, and pulled off the hat trick five weeks later in her first start on conventional dirt.

Sherman's other two wins came with odds-on favorites Royally Large in the fourth, and Victoriously in the sixth.  Both won very easily with Russell Baze aboard.  Baze won his third of the day aboard Thrice the Vice in the seventh.

Saturday's 11-race card is highlighted by the $50,000 Everett Nevin Alameda County Stakes for 2-year-olds bred in California.  Lucky Mr. K, a good-looking winner of his debut at Hollywood Park, should be a short-priced favorite.

Steve Sherman will be the guest at Saturday's handicapping seminar, which begins at 11:15 a.m.  Sherman will send out the ultra-impressive Goggles McCoy on Sunday, closing day.

The Derby Dog Dash will also return on Saturday, as small dogs 25 pounds and under will compete between the horse races.  Lots of fun for the fans, this year marks the first time Derby Dog Dash will be conducted twice during the Alameda County Fair.

RIVER SLANEY COAST TO COAST – 07-08-10

River Slaney crawled early, then had enough left in the lane to wire Thursday's eighth race field under a heady ride from David Lopez, who scored a double on the afternoon.

Once River Slaney was allowed to coast through an opening quarter in 24.73, the 3-year-old filly had the field at her mercy.  After a half mile in 50.02 and six furlongs in 1:14.20, Lopez asked her to run and she responded willingly to prevail by 2 1/2 lengths.  Katieinthefastlane was clearly second best, while 9/5 favorite Veillit' rallied belatedly for third.  Katieinthefastlane bested River Slaney by a head in their previous start, at one mile on the turf at Golden Gate Fields.

Owned by Daniel O'Neill and trainer Steve Specht, River Slaney won for the second time in six starts.  The daughter of Formal Gold is out of She's an I Full, who finished third in the Pleasanton Senorita here as a 3-year-old filly.

Earlier on the card, Jucy Pickins turned in a powerful debut effort, winning the Arabian maiden race by nine emphatic lengths.  Trained by Charles Treece for owner Gary Marrone, Jucy Pickins, a full brother to Virdeuce, looks like a horse with a bright future.  Jorge Ayarza was aboard.

Jockey Chris Russell, honored on Monday evening by the California Authority of Racing Fairs as the leading jockey for mixed breeds in 2009, will be the special guest at the daily seminar on Friday.  The seminar begins at 11:15 a.m.

TIZAFIRE REPEATS IN RACE OF VETERANS – 07-05-10

Tizafire, a 9-year-old, wasn't the oldest horse in the race, but she showed who the boss was with a decisive burst of speed around the far turn to win for the second time this season on Monday at the Alameda County Fair.  Grafton, a 10-year-old, closed well for second, and Roar of Eagles was third.  13-year-old Motel Staff dueled for the lead for about six furlongs before tiring to finish last of nine.

Tizafire won here on opening day after being claimed away from trainer John Martin in his previous start at Golden Gate Fields.  Martin promptly claimed him back for his daughter Jennafer and earned immediate dividends, as the son of Cee's Tizzy avoided traffic in the first turn, then made a powerful move nearing the quarter pole en route to an easy win.  Grafton rallied steadily and was gaining on the winner.  The final margin was 2 1/4 lengths, though Tizafire had a six length lead at the eighth pole.

Tizafire was claimed by trainer Andy Mathis.

The Wednesday program at Pleasanton has been cancelled.  Racing resumes for the final week of racing on Thursday.  First post is at 12:45.  The 2010 meet concludes on Sunday, July 11.

RUN IT ENJOYS SMOOTH JOURNEY IN ALAMEDAN HANDICAP – 07-04-10

Run It, under a solid ride from Chad Schvaneveldt, loomed into contention around the far turn, then responded very nicely when called upon to run down Live Sundays in the $50,000 added Alamedan Handicap on Sunday.  Warren's Pepe, the 9/5 favorite, took a bad step near the 5/8 pole and was pulled up.

Run It, trained by Dennis Patterson for Mercedes Stables LLC, was patiently handled in the early stages as Live Sundays set the pace, tracked by Slew the Man.  As the field rounded the far turn, Run It loomed boldly, and once Schvaneveldt angled the 4-year-old off the rail, the result was obvious. Live Sundays battled bravely, but Run It had him measured through the stretch and reported home 1 1/2 lengths in front.  It was 7 1/2 lengths back to Slew the Man who held third.

Run It won for the eighth time in 21 career starts and his earnings are now just shy of $250,000.  He has won four of his last six starts and was most recently seen upsetting his rivals in a game victory over Bold Chieftain in the Grade 3 Berkeley Handicap at Golden Gate on Memorial Day.

There will be a special holiday program tomorrow at the Alameda County Fair.  First post is at 12:45 p.m.  The handicapping seminar will feature former jockey and current TVG analyst Kyle Kaenel.  It begins at 11:15 outside the grandstand at the picnic tables.

PERFECT CURLS IMPRESSES IN JUAN GONZALEZ MEMORIAL – 07-03-10

Perfect Curls ($6.20) enjoyed a perfect trip, pulling clear late to win the $50,000 added Juan Gonzalez Memorial for 2-year-old fillies by five easy lengths on Saturday at the Alameda County Fair.  Sweet Baguette, making her debut, rallied for second, and pacesetter Rockin Heather was third.  The running time for 5 1/2 furlongs was 1:04.10.

Cata Mia unseated jockey Chad Schvaneveldt at the gate, then ran off and was a late scratch, causing a delay into the start.

Ridden by Michael Martinez, who is serving a 5-day suspension but was allowed to ride in this designated race, Perfect Curls enjoyed a beautiful journey behind Rockin Heather and Alpine Z.  At the top of the stretch, Perfect Curls pounced on the leaders and drew off impressively.

"Cliff (winning trainer Clifford Delima) told me she has good speed but to be patient with her," Martinez said through an interpreter.  "When I asked her to run she responded very nicely in the stretch."

Owned by GCCI, Perfect Curls was now won two straight, with her only defeat, interestingly, coming in her debut when she was second behind Cata Mia. 

The late scratch of Cata Mia was the second of two disappointments on Saturday for trainer Steve Sherman, who is otherwise enjoying a fine fair season.  In the seventh race, the Sherman-trained Tshultrim appeared on his way to an easy win as the 3/5 favorite before bolting in the stretch, losing all chance and finishing sixth.

Racing Resumes on Sunday, with a first post of 12:45 p.m.  Los Alamitos and TVG handicapper Les Onaka will be the guest at the handicapping seminar, which begins at 11:15 a.m.  There will be a special Monday holiday program, but please note that the Wednesday card has been cancelled.  After the program on Monday, racing will resume on Thursday, July 8.

MAWING ENJOYS A PERFECT AFTERNOON – 07-02-10

The best wagering advice anyone could have given on Friday was simple: bet on Leslie Mawing. Mawing rode four races, and won all of them, enjoying a perfect day on a beautiful day at the Alameda County Fair.

Mawing, a 36-year-old native of South Africa, had been heating up in recent days but everything came together on Friday.  "I feel pretty good," he said. "They were all running easily on the backstretch, I let them relax, and they were in a position to win.  Thank God they finished well."

Mawing started the day with a runaway win aboard Da Bomb, trained by Andy Mathis in the third, followed by a win aboard Da Heat, trained by Armando Lage in the fourth.  Second-time starter Million Town, trained by Steve Sherman, gave him a natural triple, and he capped off the memorable afternoon with Stremitelniy in the seventh for Jerry Hollendorfer.

An exciting 10-race card is on tap for Saturday, highlighted by the Juan Gonzalez Memorial for 2-year-old fillies.  The morning line favorite is Sweet Baguette, trained by Dean Pedersen.  Russell Baze will be aboard the filly, who will be making her debut in the race.  Two of the last four runnings of the Juan Gonzalez memorial were won by first-time starters.

Baze, the world's winningest jockey, will be the special guest at the Saturday handicapping workshop, which begins at 11:15 a.m.  Among the prize giveaways will be Russell Baze bobbleheads from a giveaway at Bay Meadows years ago, as well as Lost in the Fog and Baze t-shirts.

Popular TVG and Los Alamitos handicapper Les Onaka will be offering free analysis at the Pleasanton satellite wagering facility tonight and on Saturday night as well.  There will be cash giveaways each night.  Onaka will be Sunday's special guest at the workshop.

ALPINE YODEL FROM FLAGFALL TO THAT'S ALL – 07-01-10

Jockey Leslie Mawing was the perfect passenger on Thursday, hustling Alpine Yodel to the front early, then guiding her around the track in a dominant victory over five rivals in Thursday's feature at the Alameda County Fair.  Saintly Spirit was clearly second, and Joyful Me finished third.  The running time for 1 mile and 70 yards was 1:40.65.

Owned by the successful partnership of George Todaro and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, Alpine Yodel scored by 4 1/2 lengths and was "never threatened", as noted by Equibase.  The 5-year-old mare won for the eighth time in 40 starts.  It was her first win since a race at Fairplex in September 2009.

In the seventh race, Buckatunna returned from a layoff of more than 10 months to romp home under Russell Baze.  Owned by the partnership of Akin, Goldstein, and trainer Steve Sherman, Buckatunna scored by six lengths over Via Zavata, who gamely held second over Draw Two Buck.  The running time for six furlongs was 1:10.31.  Buckatunna was last seen at Del Mar under the care of Sherman's father, Art.

Racing resumes at the Alameda County Fair tomorrow, with a first post of 12:45 p.m.  The handicapping seminar features an encore performance from Professor Gordon Jones, who will be making a return visit to the fair.  Jones, 80, is a very popular author and handicapper who turned in another stellar performance in front of the Alameda County Fair patrons last week.  The seminar, as always, begins at 11:15 a.m.

TOPS IMAGE FINISHES WITH A FLOURISH – 06-30-10

Tops Image, under a perfect ride from Russell Baze, wore down Air Fair and Foxy Bailey to win Wednesday's featured allowance race at six furlongs.  The running time was 1:10.12.

Powers Lilsis, sent off as the favorite, set the early pace and was prompted by Foxy Bailey, who took command heading into the far turn.  Baze was very patient aboard Tops Image, then let her loose at the top of the stretch, and the 4-year-old filly responded very nicely, getting up to win by a neck.

Trained by Bud Klokstad for owner/breeder Billie Klokstad, Tops Image, a daugther of He's Tops, won for the fifth time in 16 starts.  All five wins have come at six furlongs.

Jockey Martin Garcia, whose career has taken off this year, was a special visitor on Wednesday.  Garcia, who rode Lookin at Lucky to a victory in the Preakness Stakes, signed autographs throughout the afternoon.  Garcia flew up to the bay area after working horses this morning in Southern California.

Racing resumes tomorrow at 12:45 p.m.  Prominent local owner George Schmitt will be the special guest at the handicapping workshop, where several prizes will be given away through a drawing.  The workshop begins at 11:15 a.m.

DEBUT WINNER STEALS THE SPOTLIGHT – 06-27-10

Trainer Jeff Bonde spoke glowingly about first time starter Sway Away at the daily handicapping seminar before the races on Sunday, and his 2-year-old colt did exactly what the popular Pleasanton native suggested.

"The first few strides won't be his best," Bonde said in front of the crowd.  "But then he'll get going, and I expect him to win."

Bonde was perfect in his assessment.  Sway Away broke fifth, moved into a clear second shortly thereafter, then stalked and pounced on pacesetter Roman Power, pulling clear with authority to win by 3 1/4 lengths under a hand ride from jockey Frank Alvarado.  Roman Power was 7 1/2 lengths clear of the third-place finisher, Hit Run and Win.  The running time for 5 furlongs was 56.35.

Sway Away is owned by the partnership of Batman Stable, Hanna, Lebherz, Olsen, Sharp and Wallace.  He was purchased for $75,000 at the 2010 Barretts March sale.

Earlier, in the day's featured allowance race, Yodelady O fought off Advance Ticket and Grey Lassie to win by one length.  Trained by Armando Lage, she was also ridden by Alvarado.

Racing resumes at the Alameda County Fair on Wednesday.  Longtime Northern California chartcaller Steve Reed will be the guest at the handicapping seminar, which begins at 11:15 a.m.

Russell Baze won three races on the card, scoring aboard Great News in the fourth, Bull Roar in the ninth and Strong Premonition in the 10th.

MISS PLEASANT SCORES IN ALAMEDA COUNTY FILLIES AND MARES HANDICAP – 06-26-10

Miss Pleasant was taking a huge step up in class in Saturday's Alameda County Fillies and Mares Handicap, and the 4-year-old filly passed the test with flying colors, wearing down favored Victoryasecret to prevail by a half-length, despite encountering some early trouble.  Last year's winner, Christmas Ship, rallied and was another half-length back in third.  The running time for 1 1/16 miles was 1:42.40.

As expected, Victoryasecret was the pacesetter, but she had some unexpected company as Value Stream, who bobbled at the start, was very rank and rushed into contention, eventually challenging the leader down the backstretch before tiring.  As Value Stream was making her move after the favorite, she caused some difficulty for the eventual winner.

"She (Value Stream) shoved me across and I had to steady off heels (of Markmelauras)" said Schvaneveldt.  Once I got her out of trouble, I let her coast a while.  I knew I had plenty left in the stretch."

Victoryasecret was valiant in defeat, trying her best to turn away Miss Pleasant before yielding grudgingly.  Christmas Ship found her best stride and was well clear of the rest in third.

Trained by Richard Mandella, Miss Pleasant won for the third straight time and is now undefeated in three starts on the main track around two turns.  Owned by Diamond A Racing Corporation, she has now won three of her six career starts.

Earlier on the card, Golden Winner turned in a dazzling performance in winning the fifth race by six lengths, stopping the clock in a crisp 108.91 for six furlongs.  The 3-year-old son of More than Ready is now perfect in two starts for Olympia Star, Inc.  He is trained by Jerry Hollendorfer.  Russell Baze, who was aboard, also won the sixth race aboard Tiz Blushing.

In the Derby Dog Dash Championship, Sharkie prevailed over a fast-finishing Sonora, as the one-two finishers from the fifth heat finished the same way in the finale.  Sharkie, a Jack Russell Terrier weighing 15 pounds, is owned by David and Jennifer Johnson.  There will be another Derby Dog Dash day at the Alameda County Fair on Saturday, July 10.

Trainer Jeff Bonde will be the special guest at Sunday's workshop seminar, which begins at 11:15 a.m. just outside the grandstand at the picnic tables.

BALL BEARING SCORES IN FRIDAY FEATURE – 06-25-10

Ball Bearing seized command around the far turn, then fought off a stern challenge from favored Highway Bandit to prevail in Friday's eighth race at the Alameda County Fair. Count it all Joy was third.  The running time for 1 1/16 miles was 1:43.70

Ridden by Julien Couton, Ball Bearing went head and head with Karmalize for the first half mile, then put his pace rival away as Highway Bandit inched closer under Russell Baze.  With Ball Bearing off the rail, Baze tried to make a winning move along the inside, but Ball Bearing, despite jumping a shadow in the late stages, prevailed by 3/4 of a length.  The 3-year-old son of Skimming was coming off a victory over maidens on the turf at Golden Gate Fields, the first time Couton rode him.  The Michael Lenzini-trained colt has now won two of 11 starts.

Jockey Michael Martinez scored a double on the afternoon, as did trainer Ed Moger, Jr.

An exciting Saturday program is highlighted by the $50,000 Alameda County Handicap for fillies and mares.  The first Saturday of the meet also features some family entertainment with the popular return of Derby Dog Dash, where small dogs will compete in between the horse races.  There will be six heats starting after the second race, with the championship being held after the ninth race.

Ray Harris, the agent for jockey Russell Baze, will be the special guest at Saturday's handicapping workshop, which begins at 11:15 a.m. outside the grandstand at the picnic tables.  As always, there will be drawings for prize giveaways at the conclusion of the seminar.

MO SLOW MO REMAINS PERFECT – 06-24-10

Mo Slow Mo kept his unblemished record intact, taking on starter allowance foes and succeeding in Thursday's feature at the Alameda County Fair.  Pacesetter Adorci was second, while heavily Premium Quality encountered a nightmarish journey and finished willingly to get third.

Adorci broke alertly and was tracked by Mo Slow Mo.  Mo Slow Mo kicked clear through the final sixteenth of a mile to win going away. by 1 1/2 lengths  The winner was ridden by Michael Martinez and is now perfect in two starts for the partnership of Caples, Realmonte, Vitone, and trainer Steve Sherman.  Sherman also won the second race with There Goes Kevin.

Premium Quality was in a tight spot between Willing Warrior and Chailepis and was forced to steady sharply down the backstretch, and the 5-year-old had to take up once again before swinging wide into the stretch and then rallying strongly.  Ironically, jockey Frank Alvarado, who was aboard Premium Quality, rode Mo Slow Mo in his debut.

In the mule allowance, Baby Sister turned in another dominant performance, scoring over Ima Top Gun and Bar JF Flyin J in the day's opener.

Popular handicapper and author Gordon Jones will be the special guest at Friday's handicapping workshop.  The workshop begins at 11:15 a.m. outside the grandstand at the picnic tables.  There are drawings for prizes each racing day and everyone is welcome to attend.

BAZE SWEEPS LATE DOUBLE ON OPENING DAY – 06-23-10

Russell Baze did what he does best - win races, on opening day of the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton on Wednesday.  The world's winningest rider came up a nose short of a riding triple, but did win the day's feature race as well as the finale.

Baze was aboard My Gal Candy, the easiest winner of the day, in the seventh race, as the daughter of Candy Ride stretched out very effectively.  The 3-year-old filly, one of just two entrants who ran for the optional $32,000 claiming tag, made short work of her rivals, scoring by six emphatic lengths after opening up an eight-length lead in the stretch.  Co-owned by Barnett Stable LLC and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, My Gal Candy had never raced beyond six furlongs.  She won for the fifth time in nine career starts.

Baze won the finale aboard Notwithstanding for trainer William J. Morey, Jr.  Harris Farms, Inc. scored two wins with their homebreds, winning the fourth race with the Sheldon Paldanius-trained With Respect, and the John Martin-trained Lucky High in the sixth.

Racing resumes at the Alameda County Fair on Thursday.  Post time is 12:45 p.m.  Track announcer Frank Mirahmadi and local handicapper Dennis Miller will be joined by former jockey Danny Winick, the assistant clerk of scales at the daily handicapping workshop seminar.  The seminar begins at 11:15 a.m. and there are drawings for prize giveaways each racing day.