Swiss Wild Cat takes shortest route in CTBA

DEL MAR, Calif. - Swiss Wild Cat closed along the rail to win Friday's $100,000 California Thoroughbred Breeders Association Stakes at Del Mar, and that quick route through the 5 1/2 furlongs was the difference between a win and a loss against stablemate Hi Ho Yodeler.

Swiss Wild Cat, ridden by Christian Santiago Reyes, won the CTBA Stakes by a half-length over Hi Ho Yodeler, finishing in 1:04.15.

The two California-bred fillies, both trained by Mike Harrington, have raced against each other once, when Swiss Yodeler finished second and Hi Ho Yodeler fourth in the Cinderella Stakes at Hollywood Park on June 9. More frequently, they have been work partners, often finishing close together.

"Whoever is on the inside wins," Harrington said. "You can flip a coin between them."

Rockin Heather, who led in the stretch, finished third in the field of eight 2-year-old statebred fillies.

The race was delayed 10 minutes after Cookinthisorthat flipped in the gate, and was briefly stuck under the stalls. When the incident occurred, she apparently kicked Vonn Nez, who was also withdrawn at the gate.

Swiss Wild Cat races for breeder Heinz Steinmann. By Ministers Wild Cat, Swiss Wild Cat has won 2 of 5 starts and $118,600. She beat maidens in her second start, going 4 1/2 furlongs at Hollywood Park in May, but was only sixth as a 20-1 outsider in the Landaluce Stakes against open company at Hollywood Park on July 11.

Harrington said the first two finishers will be pointed for the $100,000 Generous Portion Stakes for statebred 2-year-old fillies at six furlongs here on Sept. 1.