This Ones for Phil a go for Swale

By Mike Welsch
Daily Racing Form

Trainer Rick Dutrow said he plans on entering This Ones for Phil in Saturday's Grade 3 Swale.

This Ones for Phil, who finished fifth after setting the pace in the Fountain of Youth, injured himself when getting cast in his stall several weeks ago. He worked for the first time since the Fountain of Youth on Monday, going five furlongs in 1:01 with Mario Madrid aboard.

"He went well and Mario said he didn't get tired, so I'm going to enter and probably run him in the Swale," Dutrow said during training hours here Monday. "He's always had a messed-up schedule. He got a quarter crack after the Fountain of Youth, then after going back to training got hurt doing something in his stall. I walked him for five days and jogged him another week after that, but he's a light horse, and coming off a mile race he should be fit enough to go seven furlongs on Saturday."

Dutrow, who just returned from Keeneland, where he oversaw Stardom Bound's work on Sunday, also said he does not plan to enter Danger to Society in the Florida Derby. Danger to Society also worked here Monday, going five furlongs in 1:01.80.

"I don't want to run here if the three favorites are running, and right now that seems to be the case," Dutrow said, referring to Dunkirk, Quality Road, and Theregoesjojo. "I'll look at the Wood and Arkansas Derby for his next start. He went really well this morning and he's ready to roll."

Big Drama set for 3-year-old debut

The Swale figures to come up a short but competitive field and will feature the return of Big Drama, who has not started since winning the Delta Jackpot in his 2-year-old finale. Trainer David Fawkes confirmed that Big Drama would make his 3-year-old debut in the Swale shortly after watching him work an easy half-mile in 49.20 at Calder on Monday.

"He worked phenomenal, did everything perfect," said Fawkes. "He's ready to go on Saturday."

Along with Big Drama and This Ones for Phil, the field for the Swale could also include Beacon Hill Road, Custom for Carlos, Sabi Sabi, and one or both of trainer Nick Zito's duo of Brave Victory and Rocketing Returns.


This is a May 2, 1992 file photo showing jockey Pat Day gesturing after winning the Kentucky Derby on Lil E. Tee at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.Lil E. Tee, the 1992 Kentucky Derby winner, has died. The horse was euthanized at age 20 at Old Frankfort Stud on March 18. Farm owner Jim Plemmons said the horse fell ill last month following an operation to repair an obstructed bowel and struggled to recover.