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Sword Bearer Strikes Searing Blow in Steward's Cup Turf

Original article written by Marzy Dotes posted 13 years 4 weeks ago

Sword Bearer broke at the top of the field and that’s where he finished when he won the $3 million Grade I Steward’s Cup Turf by two lengths over Precipice. The gallant bay three year old colt swept through the 1 ½ mile distance on the turf oval at New Orleans Park in 2:25.40. Not surprisingly, that win along with his stellar won this flashy runner the award of Europe's champion three year old male runner.

This son of former South African Horse of the Year Super Light and one of the top turf star producers, Unite As One was purchased by owner Aidan O Brien as a yearling for $3.5 million and entered into the racing sphere with high expectations on his withers. After all, Unite As One had produced such top turf performers as Cliff Diver, Action Figure and Scream in the Wind. Daybreak by Gonzalo is undefeated in two turf routes including the Faith In Me Stakes and a juvenile colt by Fish is going up for auction and expected to attract bids sure enough to excite the cardiovascular system before the gavel pounds.

Sword Bearer broke his maiden in his second start as a two year old, and then won his next two starts including a stakes race. He won three straight starts as a sophomore including the Sir William Stakes and the German Derby. He then went to Ireland where he placed a tough second to Unlimited in the Irish Derby and then moved on to Paris where he placed second behind July in a thrilling Arc De Triomphe.

July finished his stellar career in that race and retired to stud where he’s attracted a lot of interested mares to his stall door. Sword Bearer went to the Steward’s Cup to face a field of 12 other contenders including turf routing stars like Greatest, Feat and Dream In The Dark. All of them lined up at the post in good order and when the gates opened, some of them broke better than others.

Sword Bearer broke well and coasted to the lead but matching him stride for stride was Precipice along with the always fierce Moya. Precipice stuck his body out in front of the other two pace setters in the backstretch but Sword Bearer had his measure as the field swept into the far turn, regaining his hard fought lead under a skillful ride by Daniel Fox. In the stretch, he began pulling away after changing leads and won going away. Precipice finished a length of Moya to take the second spot and Moya beat out Greatest for the show position.

After the race, Sword Bearer vanned to the airport before jetting off along with Precipice to the popular Middle Eastern hub, Pegasus Feathers International where he no doubt will prepare for next season’s racing. Moya retired after the Steward’s Cup and journeyed to Granite Creek in Florida to stand stud and sire the next generation of star performers at the turf routes. With this season of turf stakes competition at a close, there is sure to be an exciting year ahead as veteran performers return and new turf stars in the making enter into the mix.


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