Retama Park: Sword Trick romps in Texas Stallion Stakes
Sword Trick returned to sprinting on the main track and returned to the winner’s circle Saturday night, when he drew out to a 13 1/2-length win in the $100,000 colts and geldings division of the Texas Stallion Stakes at Retama Park near San Antonio.
The race was one of two stakes on the card. Cowgirl N Up crashed the $100,000 fillies division of the Texas Stallion Stakes when she won her maiden in the race at 35-1. She is a half-sister to four-time stakes winner Aces N Kings.
Sword Trick ($3.20) came into the Texas Stallion Stakes seeking to rebound from a rare defeat, which came in his two-turn and turf debut in the $50,000 Sunny’s Halo at Louisiana Downs. He was seventh in the race, but the move back to a sprint distance on dirt suited the runner Saturday.
Sword Trick easily moved to the lead after the start of the six-furlong race, volleyed the lead with Jones Focus through an opening quarter in 22.05 seconds, and then took command of his rivals into the stretch. He covered the distance on a fast track in 1:10.43.
Cliff Berry was aboard the winner for Clarence Scharbauer and trainer Bret Calhoun.
The win was the third in four starts for Sword Trick, who in July took the Lone Star Park division of the Texas Stallion Stakes. He has now earned $133,800.
Jones Focus finished second Saturday, a neck in front of third-place finisher Field Goal.
Cowgirl N Up ($76.60) broke in at the start of the fillies division of the Texas Stallion Stakes, but quickly straightened up and took the field through an opening quarter in 22.22. She remained in control of the race through a half-mile in 46.05, then held off a rail bid from Nothinbettertodo to win by a half-length. Cowgirl N Up covered the six furlongs in 1:12.22. Nothinbettertodo was second, a length in front of third-place finisher Im A Bear.
Roberto Villafan rode Cowgirl N Up for her owner and trainer, Caroline Dodwell. Cowgirl N Up and Aces N Kings are both from the multiple stakes-winning mare Pure Mischief.