Caramel Swirl likely for BC Filly and Mare Sprint
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While her victory in Sunday’s Grade 2, $250,000 Gallant Bloom Stakes came via a rare double disqualification, Caramel Swirl likely earned a start in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint with that performance.
Caramel Swirl, like Cody’s Wish a Godolphin homebred, was taken up by jockey Junior Alvarado at around the eighth pole when Sterling Silver, from the outside, and Headland, from the inside, appeared to come into Caramel Swirl’s path. Sterling Silver would cross the finish line four lengths in front of Headland who was a half-length in front of Caramel Swirl.
After about a 16-minute review, the stewards ultimately decided to move Caramel Swirl from third to first, placing Sterling Silver second, and Headland third.
Michael Banahan, Godolphin’s director of bloodstock, said since Caramel Swirl is expected to be retired at year’s end if she comes out of the race well, it could be worth taking a shot in the Filly and Mare Sprint. Godolphin also has the Grade 1 winner Matareya pointing to that race.
“For sure, we’ll have a look at it, see how she comes out of the race and come up with a game plan,” Banahan said.
Tom Albertrani, trainer of Sterling Silver, had yet to speak to his owners about whether to pursue the Filly and Mare Sprint, a race she finished ninth in last year.
Albertrani on Monday repeated his displeasure for the disqualification of his New York-bred filly who was ridden by Javier Castellano.
“I was disappointed with that decision. I watched the replay close up, and Javier is clearly going straight at the time of the inquiry,” Albertrani said. Headland “should have come down, Sterling Silver should have stayed on top. I think that would have been a fair call. [Caramel Swirl] was not going to win that race.”
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