Law Abidin Citizen holds off Top Harbor in Oak Tree Sprint
Even-money favorite Law Abidin Citizen ($4), a multiple graded stakes winner, had to show all his class and grit in scoring a neck victory over 3-year-old Top Harbor in Saturday's $75,450 Oak Tree Sprint at Pleasanton.
Making only his second start of the year, Law Abidin Citizen sat close to the pace and made a strong five-wide move into the stretch in the six-furlong race.
He was able to get past the dueling Darnquick and Anyportinastorm, but they hung tough as Top Harbor came flying down the middle of the track after being last early.
Jockey Frank Alvarado had enough left aboard the winner to hold off Top Harbor's late challenge, winning by a neck in 1:10.00. Darnquick was third, trailing by three-quarters of a length with Anyportinastorm another half-length back.
“He's getting a little age on him, but he's tough and game,” winning trainer Mark Glatt said of the 7-year-old Twirling Candy gelding.
Glatt and Alvarado talked by phone Saturday morning and agreed that with all the speed in the race, they would probably be a bit wide. Alvarado told Glatt that horses had been winning despite being a bit wide, and they agreed just to let Law Abidin Citizen stay in the clear even if a bit wide.
“It was a good race,” Glatt said, “and Tim McCanna's colt (Top Harbor) ran well. I knew he had talent because I trained his mother. That was a great race for a 3-year-old to run against these proven older runners.”
Law Abidin Citizen's eighth victory in 30 starts was worth $45,000 for owners Dan Agnew, Gerry Schneider, and John Xitco. He has career earnings of $570,167.