Pleasanton: Halo Dolly leads 1-2-3 sweep for Hollendorfer in Alameda County Fillies & Mares Stakes

Halo Dolly ($3) gave her Hall of Fame connections, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer and jockey Russell Baze, an easy stakes win as she romped to a wire-to-wire victory in the $60,950 Alameda County Fillies & Mares Stakes at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif., on Saturday.

Halo Dolly led a one-two-three sweep for Hollendorfer trainees in the 1 1/16-mile stakes for older fillies and mares, winning by 2 1/2 lengths in 1:43.45. Cathy’s Crunches, making her second start of the year, was second, with Anniversary Girl third, another 1 3/4 lengths back. Inner Groove, who stalked down the backstretch, and Big Time Sunshine rounded out the field.

Hollendorfer was coming off a one-two finish with Reconstruction and Longview Drive in the Livermore Valley Wine Stakes the previous Sunday.

The only problem for Halo Dolly was leaving the gate when she did not get away smoothly, but Baze moved her to the front with ease and she was never seriously challenged.

“She blew out behind out of the gate, but she settled down right away,” said Baze.

“She didn’t break good, but I think Russell was set on getting the lead,” said Hollendorfer. “We thought Inner Groove might try for the lead, and we would have been content to lay second.”

Hollendorfer was particularly happy with Cathy’s Crunches's effort. She was fifth in a five-furlong turf prep on June 9 in her first start in nearly eight months.

Halo Dolly, who was coming off a victory in the Fran's Valentine at Hollywood Park, earned $40,750 for her 11th victory in 19 starts, increasing her career earnings to $402,530.

Hollendorfer said she might make her next start at Del Mar or in the Luther Burbank at Santa Rosa.