Swipe has surgery to fix breathing problem

Swipe, the runner-up in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last November but sixth in the Grade 2 Lexington Stakes in his first start of 2016 on April 16, is out of training following a breathing operation.

Trainer Keith Desormeaux said he expects Swipe to resume training in late May.

“We’ll give him 30 days and he’ll be back,” Desormeaux said.

This is the second time Swipe has undergone surgery. Swipe missed training over the winter after undergoing surgery to have a bone chip removed from an ankle. The Lexington Stakes at Keeneland was a late opportunity to test Swipe before the Triple Crown. Instead, a summer campaign will be planned.

Owned by Big Chief Racing, James Justice, and Billy Shelton, Swipe has one win in eight starts and earnings of $608,930.