Balmoral Park (11/10/11)
Contact: Tom Kelley
(708) 672-1414
CAN BIG HEART CARRY SWINGING BEAUTY TO AMERICAN NATIONAL SCORE?
Despite coming into Saturday’s $135,000 American National Stake for three-year-old pacing fillies with just four lifetime victories, William Switala and James Martin’s Swinging Beauty has been accorded the 3-1 morning line favoritism in what looks like a wide open event.
The daughter of Art Major has been a model of consistency in her second season of racing, posting a record of three wins, five seconds and seven thirds in 19 starts while adding a field high $307,986 to her career bankroll.
The filly – who is admittedly slight in stature – certainly does not lack heart, which could one of her biggest assets according to veteran Canadian conditioner Gregg McNair.
“She’s always acted like a big horse right from day one,” McNair said. “She can take a good hold of you on the track while you’re warming her up. She’s also pretty aggressive when it comes to leaving the gate and she can really get out of there if you need her to.”
While she can exhibit speed when the situation calls for it, her biggest efforts have come from off the pace as evidenced by her big late rushing score over a muddy track in a division of the Jugette and her second place finish behind the highly regarded Krispy Apple in Lexington.
“She really seems to like chasing horses,” said McNair. “She can follow horses all day and she loves to pass them. Unfortunately we’ve had to chase some real tough fillies this year but she’s never lost her determination. She can sprint as fast as any of them and I know that one of these night’s she’s going to put it all together and come up with a huge mile. Maybe Saturday will be her night.”
Honky Tonk Woman has a similar story with just two lifetime wins but the Ross Croghan-trained daughter of Western Ideal has racked up a whopping $508,203 for the partnership of Let It Ride & Mentally Stables, Robert Cooper and Jerry Silva.
The $18,000 yearling purchase has picked the right times to come up with her biggest efforts, taking the $402,000 Sweetheart Stake last year and the Fan Hanover Consolation this season in a career best of 1:50.2.
For more information visit www.balmoralpark.com or call (708) 672-1414.
About Balmoral Park: Located in Crete, IL just 12 miles south of 80/94; Balmoral Park has been one of the nation's premier horse racing facilities since 1926. Balmoral Park features live racing every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Admission and parking is always free.
