Twilight Eclipse to wait for Sword Dancer

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – Twilight Eclipse, who finished a troubled third behind Big Blue Kitten in the July 5 United Nations Stakes at Monmouth Park, will bypass the Aug. 1 Bowling Green at Saratoga and point for the Aug. 29 Sword Dancer there, trainer Tom Albertrani said Thursday.

Albertrani initially considered running Twilight Eclipse in the Bowling Green but thought the additional time between races might be better for the horse.

“We’re leaning toward the Sword Dancer instead of getting in a rush with him,” Albertrani said. “It’s better timing-wise. Go in fresh to the Sword Dancer and then into the fall.”

In the 2013 Sword Dancer, Twilight Eclipse finished second, a length behind Big Blue Kitten, who is pointing for both the Bowling Green and Sword Dancer at the upcoming Saratoga meet.

Albertrani is still lamenting the trip Twilight Eclipse had in the United Nations, where he was bottled up along the inside and couldn’t get out until it was too late.

“He was always in a tough spot, never could get any clear room,” Albertrani said.