Thoroughbred Fever - Horse Racing News

Colonel John faces five in upcoming Swaps

by Jarrod Horak on July 10th, 2008

A field of six has been assembled for the Grade 2 $350k Swaps, to be run on Saturday, July 12th at Hollywood Park, and Santa Anita Derby (G1) hero Colonel John leads the way.

The talented son of Tiznow has not been seen since a disappointing 6th in the Kentucky Derby (G1), his first start on conventional dirt. He made a nice backstretch move after a slow start and early traffic on the first Saturday in May, but he flattened out while beaten more than 14 lengths in Big Brown’s impressive romp.

His completed his Swaps preparations with a five furlong (:59-2/5) drill at Santa Anita on July 9th. The Eoin Harty runner won the Real Quiet Stakes at Hollywood Park, and he reunites with Garrett Gomez, who booted him home in the Sham (G3) on March 1st.

Two Step Salsa is 4-4 on synthetic ground and exits a smart 3-3/4 length win in the 8.5 furlong Affirmed Handicap (G3). The Julio Canani trainee looms the main speed in the Swaps, but note that Colonel John is versatile and can adapt to various pace scenarios.

Affirmed runner-up Tres Borrachos lands the rail, and expect aggressive handling under Tyler Baze.

2007 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner Nownownow tries synthetic ground after finishing 5th in the Irish Two Thousand Guineas (G1) at The Curragh on May 24th.

Alydar 1-2 finishers Madeo and Trevor’s Clever round out the field.

Behindatthebar, winner of the Lexington (G2) in April, continues to have foot problems and stayed in New York for Todd Pletcher. Dixie Chatter was considered possible for the Swaps earlier this week, but trainer Richard Mandella has decided to point his Norfolk Stakes winner to the grassy Oceanside at the upcoming Del Mar meet.

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POSTED IN: California Racing, Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers