Saratoga's Magic steals Alamedan

PLEASANTON, Calif. - Saratoga's Magic ($8.20), part of a three-horse uncoupled entry for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, controlled the pace under Roberto Gonzalez and held off favored stablemate Putmeinyourwill by a neck to win the $51,250 Alamedan Handicap at the Alameda Country Fair on Saturday.

Saratoga's Magic stole the race, going the opening quarter of the 1 1/16-mile stakes in 25.02 seconds and the half mile in 49.25 while maintaining a one-length lead over My Creed, who normally sits off the pace.

My Creed made a run at Saratoga's Magic, pulling within one-half length outside him, but Saratoga's Magic, under left-handed whipping, pulled away from him and then held off Putmeinyourwill to win in 1:42.93.

Putmeinyourwill, who finished one length in front of My Creed, had a rough trip, checking behind the winner into the first turn and also at the three-eighths pole.

Owned by Hollendorer, Al Morrison, and George Todaro, the 5-year-old Saratoga's Magic earned $30,550 for his first stakes victory. He has won 8 of 36 starts and $258,815.