ALBANY -- Jockey Frank Alvarado is known as a strong finisher and he displayed that strength while recording his 2,000th career victory Thursday at Golden Gate Fields.

Alvarado scored the milestone win aboard longshot Skimasco, who battled gamely along the rail to win the 5 1/2-furlong fourth race by a nose over Special Therapy. Skimasco responded to strong urging from Alvarado down the stretch to pull out the victory.

Upon returning to the winner's circle, Alvarado was surprised to see Golden Gate Fields personnel holding a sign that read, "Congratulations jockey Frank Alvarado - 2,000 wins."

"I didn't know I was one (win) away and I'm glad I didn't know," said Alvarado. "This way I didn't worry about it. I knew I was getting close but I had no idea I was that close. It's great."

Alvarado, 39, already has sights set on his next goal.

"If I can stay safe and healthy, I want to try to win 3,000 races," said Alvarado. "I'd like to win No. 3,000 right here at Golden Gate."

Skimasco is trained by Steve Specht, a veteran conditioner who often employs Alvarado to ride his horses.

"I've had a lot of success with Frank," said Specht, who teamed with Alvarado to win the $1 million Sunshine Millions Classic at Gulfstream Park in 2007 with McCann's Mojave. "He's a very strong finisher and he's patient. He doesn't run and gun with a horse and have them fall apart on him late in the race. He's a smart rider."

Skimasco, a 2-year-old gelding who was making his career debut, paid $28.60 to win.

Golden Gate Fields' 2008 fall meeting opened Wednesday and continues through Dec. 21. Post time is 12:45 p.m. and racing is conducted Wednesday through Sunday.