• The week’s highest Beyer speed figure in North America
101 Swiss Skydiver
Santa Anita (March 13): Beholder Mile G1 $300,000, 1m, dirt, 4yo+ f/m
Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Jockey: Robby Albarado
Owner: Peter J Callaghan
Pedigree: 4 ch f Daredevil – Expo Gold (Johannesburg)
Time: 1m36.18s
Preakness winner Swiss Skydiver looked every inch a champion as she outclassed G1 rivals in the Beholder Mile on her first start since she weakened in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff after stumbling at the start.
Swiss Skydiver broke well this time from the inner and travelled easily before surging down the stretch to record a Beyer speed figure of 101.
Trainer Kenny McPeek was left to suggest “maybe we’ll go hunt Monomoy Girl now” – which means the Apple Blossom on April 17 at Oaklawn – after a comfortable 2¾-length victory as 7-5 favourite. The G1 La Troienne at Churchill Downs is the alternative option.
Strike Power also got a 101 BSF for a sharp effort in a $90,000 allowance over 6f on the Oaklawn dirt on Thursday [Mar 11].
And yes, after yet another weekend of Kentucky Derby prep races, Life Is Good remains the only member of this Classic generation to have hit three digits. Bob Baffert-trained stablemate Concert Tour looked highly impressive in winning the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn, but the figures say 94 – no change from his previous effort at Santa Anita.
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