Pleasanton: Reconstruction holds off Longview Drive to win Livermore Valley Wine Stakes

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer’s powerful duo of Reconstruction and Longview Drive ran one-two in the $54,900 Livermore Valley Wine Stakes at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton on Sunday.

The one-two finish capped a big Sunday for Hollendorfer, who saw Capital Plan win the Grade 3 Beverly Hills Handicap at Betfair Hollywood Park earlier that day.

Reconstruction, breaking from the rail, stalked pacesetting Three Vases and Coach Bob to the turn. He moved out, splitting his two rivals, and opened a three-length lead in the stretch of the six-furlong stakes for 3-year-olds.

Reconstruction's quick burst into the lane gave him just enough of a margin to hold off odds-on Longview Drive by a neck in 1:09.87. Coach Bob, who stumbled at the start was third, 6 1/2 lengths farther back.

Reconstruction paid $11 to win.

“He got through, and Longview Drive couldn’t catch him,” said Hollendorfer.
“I almost scratched him when he drew the No. 1 post. He kind of got left early, but the pace was pretty good.”

Jockey Frank Alvarado gave the winner a patient ride.

“I knew who had the early speed so I needed to take my time and see how it played out,” he said. “I knew I had to beat Longview Drive. I knew he was coming at some point.”

Reconstruction, who set the pace in the California Derby before being eased, earned $31,700 for his third career victory in nine starts. The Broken Vow colt has career earnings of $84,870.