Swiss Skydiver headed to Ashland

At least one leading act is touring the country this year.

Swiss Skydiver, who won graded stakes in Florida and Arkansas earlier this spring, conquered California’s 3-year-old filly division with an easy win in Saturday’s Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks.

Ridden by Mike Smith, Swiss Skydiver led throughout the $196,000 Oaks to win by four lengths over Speech, finishing 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.20. Swiss Skydiver scooted to an opening quarter-mile in 22.92 seconds, which gave trainer Ken McPeek a brief concern. She maintained her advantage and was not threatened by three rivals.

“She’s just super special,” McPeek said Sunday morning. “Mike made the decision to go early, which I was glad to see. I was a little concerned that she went too quickly.”

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McPeek said Swiss Skydiver will be pointed to the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes at 1 1/16 miles on July 11 at Keeneland as a prep for the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks on Sept. 4 at Churchill Downs.

“It’s an ideal next stop,” McPeek said.

Owned by Peter Callahan, Swiss Skydiver has won 4 of 7 starts and earned $557,980. She has excelled around two turns this spring, evidenced by her wins in previous starts at 1 1/16 miles in the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Oaks in March and Grade 3 Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park on May 2.

“She seems to be improving,” McPeek said. “She’s a trainer’s dream. She likes what she does and she travels well.”