Parx: Swift Warrior connects as favorite in PTHA President's Cup

Swift Warrior regained the form that enabled him to win back-to-back Grade 3 events early this season when he recovered from a potential early disaster to post a victory in Saturday’s $250,000 Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association President’s Cup at Parx Racing.

It was the first win for Swift Warrior ($3.80) in four subsequent starts following victories to begin his 2013 campaign in the John Connally at Sam Houston and the Tampa Bay Stakes, both Grade 3 turf stakes. He was making his first start since finishing sixth as the 5-2 favorite in the Grade 3 Oceanport at Monmouth Park on July 28.

In the 1 1/8-mile President’s Cup, the 5-year-old Swift Warrior nearly was wiped out when he clipped heels with General Logan on the first turn, but jockey Jose Ortiz managed to keep his mount running without a stumble or fall. Swift Warrior sat third, 1 1/2 lengths behind pacesetter Achilles Quest, after six furlongs in 1:12.05. Swift Warrior mounted a challenge on the outside approaching the turn for home, took command in midstretch, and drew clear by 1 1/4 lengths. The final time on a course rated firm was 1:47.91.

Reflecting came on late to get second by a half-length, with Change of Command outfinishing General Logan for third by a neck.

A son of First Samurai trained by John Terranova for owners James Covello and James Dolan, Swift Warrior is now 7 for 24 with earnings of $616,853.