Sky Cape prevails in three-way photo

Sky Cape ($4.20) scored a victory in a three-way photo in about the only thing that went to form in the $75,000 Alcatraz Stakes at Golden Gate Fields.

The race was affected by the erratic early actions of Nordic Wind, who ducked out nearing the finish line the first time in the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds.

Sky Cape, coming off a victory in the six-furlong Harry Henson, steadied when Nordic Wind ducked out, and Captain Roy, who had rallied from last in his May 3 debut victory, inherited the lead, setting very slow fractions.

Sky Cape, who relaxed nicely behind Captain Roy and Nordic Wood, moved into contention while three wide on the second turn. He wore down Captain Roy, while holding off the late charge of Mr Keppel by a neck, winning the race in 1:46.04. Mr Keppel edged Captain Roy by a nose for second.

"He really dug in when he saw the outside horse [Mr Keppel] coming at us," winning rider Julio Garcia said.

Winning trainer Kristin Mulhall, who also bred Sky Cape, a son of Najran, was surprised Sky Cape relaxed as well as he did given the slow pace.

"When he's eyeball to eyeball with another horse, he becomes a tiger," she said.

Sky Cape, owned by Visionary Racing and Steve Taub, earned $45,000 for his fourth victory in 13 starts. His career earnings are now $230,230.