Swissarella seeks third win since being claimed
ARCADIA, Calif. – Swissarella caught owner Harry Pellman’s attention last October when she was entered in a $20,000 claiming race at Santa Anita. Pellman suggested claiming Swissarella to trainer Vladimir Cerin, who went along with the idea.
“He likes to pick them,” Cerin said of Pellman. “If I don’t like them, I don’t claim. It’s been a good partnership.”
The claim of Swissarella has been a success. The 5-year-old mare has won 2 of 4 starts and earned $39,320 since October. Swissarella can significantly enhance her earnings since the claim when she starts in a first-level optional $40,000 claimer at a mile at Santa Anita on Friday. The race has a purse of $58,000.
There are six fillies and mares in the seventh race. Three of them are entered for the $40,000 claiming price – Enduring Erin, Melanistic, and Swissarella. The other three runners – Demonica, Gracie Regazza, and Two Taps – have credentials that should make them a factor in a competitive race.
Race 7
KEY CONTENDERS
Swissarella, by Swiss Yodeler
Last 3 Beyers: 73-48-67
◗ Swissarella led throughout a $28,000 claimer at a mile Jan. 17. She won a $20,000 claimer at seven furlongs at Del Mar on Nov. 1 from the front in her first start for Pellman, co-owner Lauri Seymour, and Cerin. Santiago Gonzalez was aboard for those wins and has the mount Friday.
◗ Cerin is concerned that Swissarella will not have an easy lead in the optional claimer, especially with a quick filly such as Demonica in the field.
“There’s a lot more speed in this race,” he said. “I don’t know if that will hurt her or not.”
Demonica, by First Defence
Last 3 Beyers: 63-86-82
◗ The optional claimer will be the first start on dirt for Demonica since she finished fifth in a maiden race in October 2013. In seven subsequent starts on a synthetic track or turf, Demonica has won twice.
“It’s something we wanted to try because she works so well on the dirt,” trainer Peter Eurton said.
◗ Demonica was 11th of 12 under jockey Gary Stevens in an optional claimer on turf Jan. 16, her first start in 10 months. Demonica never was able to get to her preferred position on the lead.
“Gary thought the turf was too soft for her,” Eurton said. “She doesn’t want to be behind. She wants to be out there free-winging.”
Gracie Regazza, by Eddington
Last 3 Beyers: 69-80-82
◗ Gracie Regazza was second and third in optional claimers at a mile last April and May before being rested for the remainder of 2015. She was seventh in an optional claimer at 6 1/2 furlongs on Jan. 10, her first sprint in seven starts. A return to a two-turn race should be a benefit.
Two Taps, by Tapit
Last 3 Beyers: 79-82-73
◗ Two Taps, who is trained by John Shirreffs, was second and third in allowance races at Belmont Park in October. This is her first start at Santa Anita since a win in a maiden race last May.