Grecian Fire gets the trip and the money in All American Stakes

ALBANY, Calif. -- Grecian Fire got a dream trip and proved superior in the Grade 3, $100,900 All American Stakes on Monday at Golden Gate Fields.

Under jockey William Antongeorgi III, Grecian Fire tucked in behind Many Roses and Gabo's Macondo while sitting fourth inside Touched by Autism in the one-mile Tapeta stakes for 3-year-olds and up.

Many Roses set fractions of 23.43 and 47.48 through the opening half. The quartet reached the quarter pole in 1:11.65, and the two front-runners began to falter.

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Touched by Autism remained wide as Antongeorgi wheeled Grecian Fire out for room, and they quickly opened a 2 1/2-length lead by the eighth pole. Grecian Fire won the one-mile race in 1:36.49 and paid $10.60.

Builder also kicked home well, finishing second while beaten 1 1/4 lengths. Touched by Autism was a game third, another 2 1/2 lengths back and a neck in front of Red King.

"We got a good break and tucked in behind the two leaders, who were going at a good pace," said Antongeorgi.

"He seems like he's maturing every race."

Grecian Fire’s trainer Jerry Hollendorfer watched the race from Santa Anita, where he won the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes Vasilika.

Julien Couton was pleased with Builder's effort after minor problems at the break.

"He gave a good run down the stretch," Couton said.

Grecian Fire, a homebred for Kevin Nish's KMN Racing, earned $60,000 for his fifth victory in 23 starts, lifting his career earnings to $286,702. He is a half-brother to stakes-winning 3-year-old filly Sneaking Out, also trained by Hollendorfer.