Turf Sprint: Power Alert breaks course record on 2015 Kentucky Oaks Day

by Vance Hanson

The Australian-bred Power Alert made virtually all the running from his outside post and won by three-quarters of a length on Friday in the Grade 3, $150,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint. The five-furlong dash was the 9TH race on the 2015 Kentucky Oaks program.

Ridden by Julien Leparoux, Power Alert sped to the front and set fractions of :21 2/5, and :43 3/5, and kept on in the final yards to win in a time of :55.17, a new course rec ord on firm ground.

Owned by James Covello and AJ Suited Racing Stable, the Brian Lynch trainee paid $12.40.

Rallying for second was Undrafted, owned by NFL star Wes Welker, and finishing third was Something Extra.

In winning the Twin Spires Turf Sprint, Power Alert gained a measure of revenge over Something Extra and Undrafted, who finished first and third, respectively, in last month’s Grade 3 Shakertown at Keeneland, a race Power Alert finished fourth in as the 5-2 favorite.

Primarily a handicap performer at the country tracks of Australia, with occasional, unsuccessful trips to the metropolitan courses in Sydney, Power Alert has done well for himself since his importation. He won his first two starts over the winter at Gulfstream Park, including the $75,000 Silks Run, prior to his fourth in the Shakertown.

Power Alert has now earned more than $260,000 from a record of 17-7-2-1.