
Alphies Bet made it three wins in his last four starts with an anticipated victory in the $200000 TVG Snow Chief Stakes on Saturday at Hollywood Park. The 18th running of the Snow Chief was the marquee event of the $910000 California Gold Rush program, a series of eight stakes races restricted to California breds. Sixth in the Santa Anita Derby three weeks earlier, Alphies Bet rebounded exiting a Grade 1 and now has three wins in seven starts for owners Peter O. Johnson Sr. and Teresa McWilliams, who bred the colt, and trainer Alexis Barba. He has earned $261320. After saving ground early under Mike Smith, who was riding the son of Tribal Rule for the first time since a fourth place effort against maidens last Dec. 5, Alphies Bet moved to the outside on the backstretch. He then moved closer to the leaders around the turn, then ran past pacesetter and 18-1 shot Working Capital in the final furlong. Now 2-for-3 at 1 1/8 miles, Alphies Bet, who is out of the Candis Gold mare Miss Alphi, completed the distance in 1:51.15. The 7-10 favorite, he paid $3.40, $2.60 and $2.10. This makes up a bit for the Santa Anita Derby, said Johnson. That was very disappointing to us. He ran five wide the entire way. Mike Smith did a great job with him. He ran his race today.
Hollywood Park
Snow Chief Stakes
Alphie's Bet
Mike Smith
Alexis Barba