Alsvid storms to victory in Count Fleet Sprint Handicap

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Alsvid overcame a stumbled start to run down Ivan Fallunovalot and win the Grade 3, $300,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap on Thursday at Oaklawn Park. Alsvid covered six furlongs in 1:08.36, the quickest Count Fleet time since Bonapaw won the race in 1:08 in 2001.

The Count Fleet was part of the annual $3.3 million Racing Festival of the South, which continues Friday with the running of the Grade 1, $600,000 Apple Blossom Handicap and the $100,000 Bachelor. The meet closes Saturday with a program of four stakes led by the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby and Grade 2, $600,000 Oaklawn Handicap.

Alsvid ($21) broke on top but stumbled, then settled in third as Picko’s Pride took the field through fractions of 21.31 seconds for the opening quarter and 44.05 for the half-mile. Ivan Fallunovalot tracked in second, took the lead in the stretch, then was caught approaching the wire. Alsvid won by three-quarters of a length over Ivan Fallunovalot, while it was another length back in third to Picko’s Pride.

“I knew they were flying up front, and it set up perfect,” said Chris Landeros, who rode Alsvid.

The Count Fleet was the eighth career stakes win for Alsvid and his first graded victory.

“This win is very gratifying, especially for the horse,” said Chris Hartman, who trains Alsvid for Black Hawk Stable.

Alsvid now has won 12 of 29 starts. He earned $180,000 for his Count Fleet score to lift his career earnings to $933,465. Alsvid is a 6-year-old gelding by Officer. Following the Oaklawn meet, Hartman is scheduled to stable at Churchill Downs.