Alsvid spoils Work All Week’s return in Aristides

Alsvid has developed into a top sprinter this season (Churchill Downs/Reed Palmer) Black Hawk Stable’s Alsvid (Officer) overhauled champion sprinter Work All Week (City Zip) in midstretch and drew away to a two-length decision in Saturday’s $100,000 Aristides (G3) at Churchill Downs. Winner of the Count Fleet Sprint H. (G3) in his previous start, the six-year-old gelding has now captured three straight races for trainer Chris Hartman. Chris Landeros was up. “This was my first graded stakes win at Churchill Downs and it feels pretty good,” Hartman said. “We did beat the champ so I guess we are right there with the best sprinters in the country.” Work All Week, who was making his first appearance since winning the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) at Santa Anita, sustained his first dirt loss in 11 attempts. His overall record now reads 16-12-3-0, with the three previous setbacks coming on turf and synthetic tracks. Alsvid left the starting gate as the 5-2 second choice among seven runners. He showed speed from the start from his innermost post position, three lengths back of an opening quarter-mile in :21 2/5, and was guided to the outside rounding the far turn.

Work All Week, the 3-5 favorite, bobbled at the start but quickly recovered
to prompt the swift pace, advancing to the lead on the turn. He reached the top
of the stretch with a half-length advantage, passing the four-furlong mark in
:44 2/5, but Alsvid was charging to his outside and carried his momentum to a
one-length edge with a furlong remaining.

“He’s proving himself, he really is,” Landeros said. “Today was probably his
best improvement. Coming out of the one-hole he had some things against him and
I was proud of him today, I really was.”

The winner completed six furlongs in 1:09 1/5.

Work All Week easily held second, 4 1/2 lengths better than third-placer
Nates Mineshaft (Mineshaft).

Alsvid, who earned his first graded victory and registered a career-best 105
BRIS Speed rating in the April 9 Count Fleet, recorded his ninth overall stakes
tally and increased his bankroll to $993,735 from a 30-13-7-3 line.

Bred in Kentucky by Yanagawa Stud Ltd, he sold for $55,000 at the 2011 OBS
April two-year-old sale. Alsvid is the only stakes winner out of the Afternoon
Deelites mare Reagle Mary, who is a half-sister to 2003 Santa Anita Derby (G1)
victor Buddy Gil (Eastern Echo).

Bet Horseracing Free Online at TwinSpires.com