Champion Swiss Skydiver's '21 encore could be a 'Classic'

Owner Peter Callahan hopes less will ultimately equal more as he and trainer Ken McPeek eye a 4-year-old campaign for Swiss Skydiver that may well lead to a confrontation against males in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

“We want to have a fresher horse and we’ll take it easy over the summer,” Callahan said. “We’re excited about the prospects.”

The newly crowned champion 3-year-old filly ventured far and wide last season. She won half of her 10 starts, with each victory coming in a different state, while earning $1,791,820. Her travels took her to Florida, Louisiana, back to Florida, Arkansas, California, Kentucky, New York, back to Kentucky, Maryland and back to compete in Kentucky in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. She lost all hope by stumbling at the start of the Distaff at Keeneland.

“I think she had 10,000 frequent-flier miles. That’s not in the cards, I can tell you that,” Callahan said. “That’s not saying we wouldn’t go to California for an appropriate spot. But if we do, we’re not going to be on a plane again in four weeks.”

Swiss Skydiver wowed her fans by taking everything in stride. In her ninth start, she became only the sixth female to win the Preakness in that race’s 145-year history when she outslugged Kentucky Derby winner Authentic on the first Saturday in October. Her time of 1:53.28 for the 1 3/16-mile contest trails only the mighty Secretariat’s 1:53. Authentic, of course, went on to win the Classic to secure Horse of the Year honors.

Callahan was concerned enough about Swiss Skydiver’s condition following the arduous schedule that he authorized a thorough veterinary evaluation approximately two weeks after her disappointing Distaff.

“She was examined by Dr. Larry Bramlage from head to toe before I gave them the green light for a 4-year-old campaign,” he said. “Anything wrong with her, she would have gone right to the breeding shed.”

He was ecstatic when Dr. Bramlage gave the former $35,000 purchase at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale a clean bill of health. He had always hoped to extend her racing career.

“There is too much fun and too much money out there for a 4-year-old star,” he said. “We’re going to try to get our fair share of the money and the fun.”

In that spirit, it is possible the chestnut daughter of Daredevil will oppose males during the course of the summer. When Callahan was asked about that, he responded, “Oh, yeah. I wouldn’t hesitate. She beat the Derby winner and Horse of the Year. Why not?”

According to Callahan, he chose to start his prized filly in the 1 1/8-mile Distaff despite McPeek’s urging to take a shot in the Classic. McPeek thought the Classic’s mile-and-a-quarter distance would be a huge help.

The veteran owner and veteran trainer continued to discuss the matter once the Breeders’ Cup was over, with McPeek expressing regret about the direction they chose after stumbling Swiss Skydiver finished seventh to two-time Distaff winner Monomoy Girl. McPeek was convinced she could have been a major player in the Classic.

“I said, ‘Well, Kenny, it’s one of those things we’ll never know. Let’s keep it under consideration and maybe a year from now, you’ll have your way,’“ Callahan related.

Zenyatta is the only female to win the Classic in the 37-year history of the Breeders’ Cup, accomplishing that in 2009.

 Swiss Skydiver was freshened for two months at McPeek’s Summerfield Training Center in Summerfield, Fla. She arrived at Gulfstream Park this week to begin preparations for whatever lies ahead.

“I suspect you might see her at the end of the Keeneland meet, but that’s very preliminary,” Callahan said. “We don’t yet have a plan for her. We will just let her crank herself up easily.”