Switch Returns to Sprint Game
For most of 2011, C R K Stable’s Switch has held her own against the likes of Havre de Grace and Blind Luck going two turns. On Saturday, Switch returns to sprinting when she goes to the post in the 31st running of the $200,000 Thoroughbred Club of America (G2) at six furlongs on the main track.
“Seven-eighths is the best distance for her,” trainer John Sadler said of Switch, who finished second in last year’s seven-furlong Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) at Churchill Downs. “There was no real prep race for her at Santa Anita and the TCA is a ‘Win and You’re In’ race (for the Breeders’ Cup).”
Regular rider Joel Rosario has the mount Saturday on Switch, who will break from post position 10.
A 4-year-old daughter of Quiet American, Switch has compiled a record of 16-5-6-3 for earnings of $1,028,600. She won the Grade 1 La Brea and Santa Monica at Santa Anita this past winter and prior to her Breeders’ Cup start, was half-length short of ending Zenyatta’s undefeated run.
“She has been very consistent on all surfaces,” Sadler said. “She had a bad trip in her one turf race and got beat only a length. She has been consistent against top competition.”
Should Switch run well Saturday, Sadler said he probably would take her to Churchill Downs next week.
“I think she’d go on over and we’d set up a base camp for when the rest of them filter in,” said Sadler, who figures to have a huge presence at the World Championships. “We’ve got Zazu (Ladies’ Classic), Cozi Rosie (Emirates Airline Filly & Mare Turf), Celtic New Year (Emirates Airline Turf), Twirling Candy (Classic) and maybe Sidney’s Candy’s full brother (Sweet Swap), who runs in the Jack Goodman on Monday on Santa Anita for the (Sentient Jet) Juvenile Sprint. But we have to get through this weekend first.”
The Kentucky trip may be the last for Switch, who is scheduled to be sold at Keeneland’s November Breeding Stock Sale after the Breeders’ Cup.