Pleasanton: Slew the Man never looks back in Alamedan

Jockey Frank Alvarado followed trainer Jeff Bonde’s instructions perfectly as he guided Slew the Man ($10) to an easy victory in Monday’s $55,550 Alamedan Handicap at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, Calif.

Slew the Man broke quickly claimed the lead in the 1 1/16-mile race on the speed-favoring track. Slew the Man had a clear lead through a 23.98-second opening quarter and slowed things down even more with a 24.36-second second quarter. He picked things up around the turn to build a 3 1/2-length lead into the lane, winning by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:42.53.

Favored Bold Chieftain seemed used up at the quarter pole, but found new life late in the lane and finished nicely to be second. He was four lengths in front of comebacking El Gato Malo, who stalked Slew the Man early and finished third.

Alvarado said that Bonde told him to take the lead if it was available, and everything went according to plan.

“I had plenty saved up for the end," he said. "I was very comfortable at the eighth pole."

“He rode a smart race,” said Bonde. “I’m happy for the horse. He’s lost a lot of photos, so it was nice to see him get a win.

The 4-year-old Slewdledo gelding earned $31,950 for the second stakes win in his career. He has now won 5of 24 starts for owners Alan Klein and Philip Lebherz and earned $173,445.