Cyrus Alexander gets first stakes win in Lone Star Park Handicap

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – Cyrus Alexander accomplished an important feat Monday at Lone Star Park. The half-brother to 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver and a $1.7 million yearling purchase became a stakes winner in the Grade 3, $200,000 Lone Star Park Handicap.

Cyrus Alexander ($6) darted home by 2 1/2 lengths over Shotgun Kowboy, the race’s favorite and starting highweight. It was another two lengths back to Rocket Time in third.

Cyrus Alexander invaded from Southern California and removed blinkers following a troubled fourth-place finish in the Santana Mile at Santa Anita. He was content to stalk the pace in third Monday as Supermason moved to a clear lead through fractions of 23.32 seconds for the opening quarter, 45.90 for the half-mile, and 1:10.24 for six furlongs.

Cyrus Alexander advanced outside of rivals, took command past the sixteenth pole, and went on to cover the distance on a track upgraded to fast in 1:43.12.

“I had a little target [from the break],” said winning rider Martin Garcia. “When I was outside, I was pretty comfortable.” •

Jerry Hollendorfer trains Cyrus Alexander for Spendthrift Farm and Stonestreet Stables. The horse was purchased at Keeneland September in 2013. He is a 4-year-old son of Medaglia d’Oro and was making his 15th start – and his fifth in a stakes – in the Lone Star Park Handicap.

“The older he’s getting, he’s getting more experience,” said Garcia, who has been a regular partner with Cyrus Alexander. “Today, he showed that he can run.”

Cyrus Alexander earned $119,000 for his win. Overall, he has won four races and $299,205. He was bred by WinStar Farm, which is owned by Dallas resident Kenny Troutt.

Garcia is 7 for 12 at Lone Star, with all of his local wins coming in stakes, according to the track. He is based in Southern California. Garcia now has three graded wins at Lone Star, his others coming in the Grade 3 Lone Star Derby and Grade 3 Texas Mile, both in 2010.

The Lone Star Park Handicap served as the centerpiece of the meet that runs into July.

• Jockey Alfredo Sigala was taken to a local hospital for observation after he was thrown when his mount fell in the seventh race. He was briefly unconscious after the incident, according to Lone Star spokeswoman Diantha Brazzell. Bryan McNeil was also thrown after his horse stumbled, but he walked off. Both horses involved galloped through the stretch after the spill at the top of the lane.