Swap Fliparoo rallies in Road Princess

Swap Fliparoo was no match for Sensation in two meetings last year. But in Friday's $62,500 Road Princess Stakes at Aqueduct, Swap Fliparoo turned the tables on that rival by rallying for a one-length victory over Livermore Valley in the overnight stakes for 3-year-old fillies.

Sensation, meanwhile, making her first start since a fifth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies last October, finished a well-beaten third as the 3-5 favorite. Stalking from an inside position under Eibar Coa, Sensation had no response when roused in the stretch and was beaten 10 1/4 lengths.

Swap Fliparoo, under Mike Smith, was 12 1/4 lengths back after Ring True and All Bets Down dueled heads apart through an opening quarter in 23.19 seconds. Swap Fliparoo advanced into contention along the inside, before Smith got her off the rail for the stretch drive.

Livermore Valley, under Jose Santos, made the lead in midstretch, but could not hold off Swap Fliparoo, who was running on Lasix for the first time in this, her 12th career start. Swap Fliparoo, trained by Allen Jerkens for Hobeau Farm, covered the 6 1/2 furlongs in 1:17.75 and returned $12.20 to win.

After going 0 for 25 upon his return to New York, Smith has now won with six of his last 20 mounts.

Swap Fliparoo could be a candidate for the Grade 2, $200,000 Nassau County Stakes at Belmont Park on May 6.