Swiss Skydiver scratches from Phipps due to fever
ELMONT, N.Y. -- The Ogden Phipps, which was shaping up as one of the premier races on Saturday’s Belmont Stakes undercard, lost a second prominent starter in the last 24 hours after trainer Ken McPeek confirmed Friday morning that Swiss Skydiver would scratch after having spiked a temperature of 104 overnight. A similar issue will compel trainer Todd Pletcher to scratch his Grade 1 winner Valiance as well.
“She was a little off her feed yesterday after having arrived overnight, but we drew blood on her and she seemed okay,” McPeek explained. “But when we came in [Friday] morning she hadn’t eaten, which is completely unlike her.”
McPeek said he felt the long van ride from Kentucky might have contributed to her issue.
“Normally we would have sent her on a Tex Sutton flight, but with their planes not flying we had to van her here, she had an overnight ship, and I don’t think she handled it well. It seemed to have stressed her,” said McPeek. “I feel like this might not have happened if she had been able to fly.”
McPeek faced a similar issue last month with King Fury, who he scratched from the Kentucky Derby after he also spiked a temperature of 104 the day before the race.
“First we had it happen to King Fury, now this,” McPeek lamented. “Twice in a month. With Swiss Skydiver, we’ll just re-group, take our time. There are still plenty of races for her this season. It was more frustrating with King Fury, because for him, there is only one Derby.”
McPeek said for the moment, he’s not even thinking about a race for Swiss Skydiver, with the plan to keep her at Belmont Park until she’s 100 percent back to normal.
“Hopefully by that time, we’ll be able to fly her back to Kentucky,” said McPeek.
With both Swiss Skydiver and Valiance now out of the race, the 1 1/16-mile Phipps is left with only five starters, led by recent Grade 1 winners Letruska, who defeated Monomoy Girl in the Apple Blossom, and Shedearesthedevil, who captured the La Troienne in her most recent start. Bonny South, Queen Nekia, and Water White complete the now compact lineup.
Another change will also be forthcoming for the Phipps. Trainer Fausto Gutierrez is in need of a new rider for Letruska with Irad Ortiz Jr. sidelined for the next two weeks due to injuries suffered in a riding mishap here Thursday.