TDN RISING STARS

August 20, 2011 - Del Mar, Race 6, Msw, USD $63,000, 5 1/2f

Sweet Swap, c, 2, 2009 by Candy Ride (Arg)

1st Dam: Fair Exchange, by Storm Cat
2nd Dam: Exchange, by Explodent
3rd Dam: Wooly Willow, by Irish Stronghold

Owner: Craig Family Trust
Breeder: Craig Family Trust (KY)
Trainer: John W Sadler

Sweet Swap had some big shoes and lofty expectations to live up to, being a full sibling to and GISW Sidney's Candy, $1,043,560; that chestnut earned "TDN Rising Star" status when he set a track record at Del Mar back in 2009. There may be more and better to come from Sweet Swap, but he got his career off on a high note nonetheless, staying on gamely for a two-length debut victory Saturday afternoon at Del Mar. A bit reluctant to load, the homebred left the gate well enough, but had to be ridden along to take up the running entering the far turn. He showed another gear to put a couple of lengths on his rivals in upper stretch and was never threatened on his way to a 1 3/4-length triumph. Castaway (Street Sense), a $435,000 KEESEP yearling purchase, was up late for second. The winner's dam, Fair Exchange, was bred to Candy Ride this past spring. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $37,800.