Remington Park: Plans uncertain for Alternation, Prayer for Relief

Dustin Orona Photography

Alternation, winner of last weekend's Governor's Cup at Remington Park, awaits a decision from his connections on where he will run next.

Alternation and Prayer for Relief, who put on a show when finishing a nose apart in last weekend’s $200,000 Governor’s Cup at Remington Park, both were in Oklahoma City on Friday with their next races still being determined by their connections. Alternation won his fifth stakes of the year when he edged Prayer for Relief, a shipper who held his ground along the rail as the two horses raced as a team from the final turn to the wire.

“That was a good horse race,” said Donnie Von Hemel, who trains Alternation.

Von Hemel said Alternation emerged from the Governor’s Cup in fine fashion and that plans for his next start have not yet been discussed. The horse, owned by Pin Oak Stable, is based at Remington. Earlier this year Alternation won the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap and the Grade 3 Pimlico Special.

As for Grade 2 winner Prayer for Relief, his next-race plans are still to be determined, said Steve Asmussen, who trains the horse for Zayat Stables. Prayer for Relief came in from Kentucky for the Governor’s Cup.

“We’re very pleased with how he came out of the race,” Asmussen said. “We have not decided where he’s running back yet.

“He’ll breeze back at Remington Park, then most likely head to Churchill Downs.”

Both horses earned Beyer Speed Figures of 95 for their efforts in the Governor’s Cup.