Alec's Moon overcomes obstacles to score in Portland Meadows Oaks

PORTLAND, Ore. – Heavily favored Alec’s Moon had an adventurous trip but scored an easy 6 1/2-length victory in the $82,700 Portland Meadows Oaks on Saturday at Portland Meadows.

The 3-year-old Alec’s Moon ($3.20) did not get away smoothly at the start of the one-mile race over a sandy track and steadied early down the backstretch before jockey Joe Crispin guided her wide into the clear. She quickly took the lead on her own and was never threatened in the lane despite drifting out and racing a bit greenly.

Formal Plan, coming off an impressive maiden win, came in second after leading early and then getting shuffled back on the second turn. Chick Power was third, another 4 1/4 lengths back in the race. The winning time was 1:40.13.

Alec’s Moon’s first stakes victory was worth $45,485 for owner-trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and partners Mark DeDomenico and John Carver. Alec’s Moon has now earned $97,585 with 3 wins from 7 starts and qualified to advance in series of races leading to the $2.2 million Black-Eyed Susan bonus.

Alec’s Moon’s victory came one-half hour after Hollendorfer and DeDomenico’s horse Checkinuponyou was disqualified from first to fourth in the Governor’s Speed Handicap. Getrdonegotrdid ($14.80) was moved up to get the victory in the $27,200 race at six furlongs.