Alternation could be headed to the Belmont Stakes following a rallying victory Saturday in the $200,000 Peter Pan Stakes for 3-year-olds at Belmont Park.
The Peter Pan is the traditional prep for the $1 million Belmont on June 11. Alternation, a Triple Crown nominee, looked like a natural fit for that race with a bold late run to secure his first stakes win. In his prior race, Alternation closed from 13th to get fifth in the Arkansas Derby.
This time, the rally carried him to the winner's circle.
Alternation emerged from the pack and went to the extreme outside for the stretch run. Ramon Dominguez had him in high gear as Alternation determinedly caught Adios Charlie, the 3-1 favorite, by a head in the final strides.
Trained by Donnie Von Hemel, Alternation ran the 1-1/8 miles in 1 minute, 49.53 seconds. He paid $9.40 for a win bet.
Prime Cut was third.
