Swap Fliparoo wins Test by two

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N Y - In a carbon copy of his winning ride the previous afternoon aboard Cherokee Jewel in the Capote Belle Stakes, Eibar Coa drove Swap Fliparoo through along the fence in the stretch to overtake 34-1 longshot Original Spin en route to a two-length victory in Saturday's $250,000 at Saratoga.

Swap Fliparoo ($13.80), a 3-year-old daughter of Exchange Rate, is trained by Allen Jerkens for owner-breeder Hobeau Farm. The win was the second in eight starts this season for Swap Fliparoo, who was beaten a half-length by Behaving Badly last month in the Grade 2 Genuine Risk Breeders' Cup Handicap.

Last through the opening quarter-mile of the seven-furlong Test after being jostled by Original Spin leaving the gate, Swap Fliparoo remained near the rear of the pack leaving the backstretch. She began her rally three wide around the turn, came over to the inside approaching the stretch, then finished full of run to overtake the leg weary leader in the final 40 yards.

Original Spin quickly sped clear after ducking out briefly to bump the winner after the break, remained well clear leaving the furlong grounds while racing off the rail, but could not last while holding safe Misty Rosette by one length to finish second. Ready to Please, the tepid 3-1 favorite, was never a factor and finished last in a full field of 13 3-year-old fillies.

"Last time she may have been the best and may have had a little bad luck," said Jerkens, who had previously won the Grade 1 Test with November Snow (1992) and Society Selection (2004), both of whom came back to win the Alabama.

Jerkens said earlier this week it was unlikely Swap Fliparoo would come back in the Alabama.

"I believe I came out with a plan," said Coa. "I just wanted to relax her and let the speed go. I just stuck with my plan."

Carnera wins, backers don't

Carnera, also ridden by Coa, rallied from third position to win the $73,250 A in Sociology Stakes, a mile turf race for 3-year-olds, by one length over Pure Incentive, the lone filly in the field.

Though Carnera won, those who wanted to wager on her didn't. Carnera was part of a Darley Stable entry that included Changing Weather, who was scratched. She was stiff and wouldn't warm up out of it, according to the New York Racing Association's chief examining veterinarian, Dr. Anthony Verderosa. Thus, according to the rules, Carnera could run for purse money only.

For parimutuel purposes, Pure Incentive ($14.80) was deemed the winner.

Carnera, a son of Old Trieste, was timed in 1:35.59.

- additional reporting by David Grening