Luckarack goes from maiden claiming to stakes winner

PLEASANTON, Calif. - Luckarack improved his career record to 2 for 2 when he pulled away from odds-on favorite Lucky Mr. K and second-choice Roman Power in the lane to win the $52,450 Everett Nevin Alameda County Stakes on Saturday at the Alameda County Fair.

Winner of a $32,000 maiden claimer in his debut, Luckarack ($20.20), the first winner for his young sire Lucky Pulpit, sat back early as Roman Power and Over the Budget dueled early. Luckarack angled out from the rail at the quarter pole, circling three-wide into the stretch. He then took command and extended his margin to 3 3/4 lengths at the wire.

"When I got to the sixteeenth pole, I thought 'I could win this,' " said winning jockey Frank Alvarado, who seemed a bit surprised at the ease of the victory.

"He didn't show much early and seemed kind of lazy," said winning trainer Steve Specht. "We decided to enter him in a claimer, but he started to come to life before the race, and I was worried we'd lose him. Since then, he's continued to improve."

Luckarack ran 5 furlongs in 1:04.77. Lucky Mr. K, who hopped at the start and got off slowly, managed to get second, 2 1/2 lengths in front of Roman Power.