For Immediate Release
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
ALTERNATION CONTINUES OKLAHOMA DERBY WORK
OKLAHOMA CITY – The $400,000 Oklahoma Derby will be drawn in the Remington Park racing office on Thursday morning. Earlier today a pair of hopefuls for Sunday’s race posted official workouts.
Alternation, winner of the Grade 2, $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park in May, worked a half-mile this morning for trainer Donnie Von Hemel. Owned by Pin Oak Stable of Versailles, Ky., Alternation handled four furlongs breezing in :51.10 seconds over a fast track.
A colt by Distorted Humor from the Seattle Slew mare Alternate, Alternation broke his maiden status at Remington Park as a 2-year-old before embarking on a stakes-racing road for most of his 3-year-old season. Most recently, he was fourth of nine in the Grade 2, $500,000 Super Derby at Louisiana Downs.
Von Hemel is attempting to win his fourth Oklahoma Derby with Alternation. He previously won with Clever Trevor (1989), Queen’s Gray Bee (1991) and Going Ballistic (2007). He is the only trainer with more than one win in the Oklahoma Derby, known from 1989-2000 as the Remington Park Derby.
Socialsaul, winner of the $150,000 New York Derby for state-breds at Finger Lakes in New York in July, worked a half-mile Wednesday morning in :48.19 second breezing. Trained by Gary Contessa, Socialsaul will be making his first start outside of the New York-bred ranks when he leaves the gate in the Oklahoma Derby. Through six career starts, he has three victories and a pair of second-place finishes.
Owned by Samotowka Stables of Shaker Heights, Ohio, Socialsaul has earned $180,040 overall.
A full-field is expected for the 1-1/8 miles Oklahoma Derby, won last year by Pleasant Prince. The early weather forecast for Sunday is for temperatures in the mid-80s and clear weather.
The 23rd Oklahoma Derby leads a stellar program which also includes the $250,000 Remington Park Oaks and the $125,000 Remington Green Stakes. The first race on the lone Sunday of the season is at 1:30pm.
Open daily at 10am for casino gaming and simulcast racing, Remington Park also features Henry Hudson’s on the first floor, which opens for lunch at 11am. Admission, general parking and valet parking are always free at Remington Park.
Remington Park is Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino, located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit remingtonpark.com.
For more information, contact:
Dale Day
405-425-3215, 405-326-7496 (m)