Swiss Skydiver in good shape, will regroup after Apple Blossom loss

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Swiss Skydiver, the champion 3-year-old filly of 2020, emerged from her third-place finish in the Apple Blossom Handicap on Saturday at Oaklawn in good order, trainer Ken McPeek said Monday.

The filly finished 6 1/2 lengths behind winner Letruska and earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 92. One start prior, Swiss Skydiver was a dominant winner of the Grade 1 Beholder Mile at Santa Anita.

“She’s fine,” McPeek said. “It’s a bit of a head-scratcher. We’re trying to wrap our heads around why she didn’t run well.”

McPeek said Swiss Skydiver has returned to Churchill Downs. Plans for her next start are to be determined, he said Tuesday.

“Nothing obvious right now,” McPeek said. “We’ll regroup and point her for something late spring or summer.”

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McPeek said the long-range goal remains the Breeders’ Cup Distaff in November at Del Mar.

Swiss Skydiver won last year’s Preakness over eventual Horse of the Year Authentic. She is an earner of more than $2.1 million and races for Peter Callahan.