Zia Park: Alsono takes Governor's Cup on front end

Alsono held off Cloud Harbor for a half-length win in the $55,000 Governor’s Cup for 2-year-olds Tuesday at Zia Park in Hobbs, N.M. The race was scratched down to four starters, with Arnie finishing another 12 lengths back in third, followed by favorite Wisdom of Crowds.

Alsono ($5.80) moved to the lead soon after the start of the six-furlong race, and proceeded to set fractions of 22.31 seconds for the opening quarter and 45.37 for the half-mile. Cloud Harbor made a run at Alsono through the stretch, but could not quite catch him. Alsono covered the distance on a track rated fast in 1:10.92.

Ry Eikleberry rode Alsono for Tony Pennington and trainer Justin Evans.

Alsono, who began his career in Kentucky, won his maiden at Zia on Sept. 7. He is a son of Limehouse and he was bred in Kentucky by Ann Marie Farm.