Oberwald victorious in Haggin

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Oberwald gave freshman stallion Swiss Yodeler his first stakes winner with an upset victory in Sunday's $91,950 Haggin Stakes at Hollywood Park.

Crowned Dancer, the 3-10 favorite, was under pressure from the start and could only finish third, three lengths behind the winner.

Run over 5 1-2 furlongs, the Haggin Stakes was contested at a furious pace.

All six runners were within 1 1-2 lengths after a quarter-mile with Crowned Dancer holding a narrow lead while racing two-wide.

Oberwald, racing on the rail, emerged with the lead after three furlongs and pulled away to score by 1 1-2 lengths in 1:05.01.

Royal Place, who was stuck in traffic on the final turn, finished a clear second, 1 1-2 lengths in front of Crowned Dancer, who was followed by Fabulous World, Light up the Phone and Luzern.

The third-place finish by Crowned Dancer was a relief for show bettors. An easy winner of the Proctor Stakes on May 26, Crowned Dancer attracted $169,046 of the $189,553 bet to show.

Oberwald has won 2 of 3 starts for owner Heinz Steinmann, who raced Swiss Yodeler. An 8-year-old, Swiss Yodeler leads the nation's first-year stallions in earnings and winners.