Woodbine: Swift Delivery is all too well in Seagram Cup
Swift Delivery, named after music megastar Taylor Swift and co-owned by boyfriend and NFL star Travis Kelce, reached the top of the charts Saturday in the Grade 3, US$115,534 Seagram Cup at Woodbine.
Sent off as the 9-2 third choice, Swift Delivery with Patrick Husbands in the irons was settled near the back of the seven-horse pack in the 1 1/16-mile synthetic-track event for 3-year-olds and up. Multiple graded-stakes and 2023 King’s Plate winner Paramount Prince led the way through an opening quarter in 24.80 seconds.
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Paramount Prince was a half-length clear after a half-mile in 49.53 seconds as Husbands and Swift Delivery, still unhurried, remained in sixth place.
Heading out of the second turn, Swift Delivery was racing three wide when he quickly glided into contention. Seconds after straightening for home, the Mark Casse trainee took command.
Ahead by a half-length at the stretch call, the 4-year-old roan gelding powered home to a two-length victory. Dresden Row, the 4-5 favorite, rallied to finish second. Paramount Prince, also a Casse trainee, was third. Classic Town was fourth.
The final time was 1:43.65.
“I believe in this horse,” Husbands said. “Mark knows that, and (assistant trainer) David (Adams) knows that. I love this horse so bad. In 36 years I was riding (2003 Canada Triple Crown champion) Wando (and) a lot of good horses, but this one touched me. If you believe in something, it is only a matter of time before it comes true.”
The son of Not This Time out of Rockport Harbor mare Raegen Harper is 14: 4-1-3.
“He is special to me,” Husband said of the horse who is co-owned with Kelce by Gary Barber, Team Valor International, Bruce Zoldan and Steven Rocco. “This horse can go on the lead. This horse can do anything. This horse is all class.”
It was the second straight score for Swift Delivery, who arrived at the Seagram Cup off a two-length triumph, also at 1 1/16 miles, on June 22.
Bred in Kentucky by Hunt-Steeple Hill, he paid $11.90 for the win.