Sir Alfred Upsets Marred Renewal of Ascot Handicap

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In a race marred by a spill involving 13-10 favorite Marine, Sir Alfred rallied in the stretch to win Sunday's $100,000 Ascot Handicap (gr. IIIT) by 3/4 lengths over Hoovergetthekeys at Bay Meadows. On the firm turf course, Sir Alfred completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:44.17.

On the second turn, Times Square stumbled and fell, causing Key Document to jump the fallen horse and throw his rider. Marine was impeded as a result and was then pulled up.

Sir Alfred won at odds of nearly 12-1 and returned $25.20, $9, and $5.60. Hoovergetthekeys paid $5.20 and $3.60. Third-place finisher Sea to See was worth $3.40 to show. The $1 exacta paid $75.90.

Hoovergetthekeys set a slow pace under pressure from Sigfreto, holding a head-length advantage over that rival after a half-mile in :49.04. The pace picked up from there as Sir Alfred moved into contention, racing a length back of Sigfreto after six furlongs, with Hoovergetthekeys keeping his head in front. Hoovergetthekeys continued to lead into the stretch but could not hold off the late charge of Sir Alfred. Sea to See finished a neck behind the runner-up and two lengths ahead of fourth-place Sigfreto. Wa Dancer came home fifth.

The win marks the third in seven starts for the Charles J. Jenda-trained Sir Alfred. Prior to the Ascot, his lone stakes experience was a fourth-place finish in Hoovergetthekeys' Golden Gate Derby (gr. III). The 3-year-old colt earned owner Simon Yu $55,000 for the victory. Sir Alfred (St. Jovite--Alliage, by Alleged) was bred in Kentucky by Skymarc Farm Inc. (Chart, Equibase)

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