This colt, with strong pedigree in hand, has a lot of promise for the Triple Crown this year. Ranked 13th in contention, up from 28th a few short days ago, Sway Away is looking to be a strong favorite for the 2011 race scene. Trainer Jeff Bonde must be doing something right, with an easy maiden break first out of the gate, as well as a second in JP’s Gusto in 2010. After three starts, Sway Away stayed away from the racing scene for a six month layoff. Statistics point to strong placement in the 2011 racing scene, and a jump in ranks for the Kentucky Derby. Sway Away is slated to provide stiff competition to the other grade 3’s in this year’s prep races.
Sire is Afleet Alex, winner of the prestigious Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, and offspring Sway Away is one of the most promising colts in the grade three this year. His first start since Augusts’ Gusto in 2010 finished strong with a second in Santa Anita with the grade two San Vicente Stakes, a fast paced race that earned a decent purse of $30,000. This is not a bad start to the season, but to the surprise of many, trainer Bonde did not start him in the Southwest Stakes on February 21st. The buzz was that Bonde would in fact place him at the Oaklawn Park race, to face another of the Derby’s favorites, The Factor, who took first in Santa Anita. This would have showcased a different type of race for the colt, given that it is a slower, dirt track. So then, where will Sway Away appear next on the racing scene?
Given Sway Away’s excellent pedigree and the calibre of his sprinting this early in the season and only three starts out of the gate, he has become a most impressive choice for the Derby. With a strong running style, this colt seems to fair well the longer the distance of the track. He seems to be able to keep his pace throughout and still have the ability to finish strong. Either way, Sway Away seems to hold his own dirt, or grass, and give the competition a run for its money wherever he starts. Sway Away’s next start will be the March 19th Rebel at Oaklawn Park. This track is surely the one to showcase the strengths of this magnificent colt.
Regardless of where we see this impressive colt next, he is sure to live up to the promise of his pedigree. Sway Away is most definitely top pick for contention in the Triple Crown, and may very well prove to be a superior choice over The Factor, who seems to be a one-turn winner at this point. If Sway Away can hold true to his strong starts and equally strong finishes, it won’t be long before he proves that he is a top contender for 2011.
