McPeek Says Classic Distance a Better Fit for Swiss Skydiver

[Wandering Eyes]

While putting off a final decision regarding which Breeders’ Cup race GI Preakness S. winner Swiss Skydiver (Daredevil) will run in, trainer Ken McPeek said Sunday morning that he prefers running his filly at a mile-and-a-quarter, the distance of the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic. His other option is the GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff, which is run at a mile-and-an-eighth.

“It’s a little early and we don’t have to make a decision right now but I do like her at the mile-and-a-quarter,” he said. “The further, the better. She gets to settle in a nice rhythm and that distance, I really like it better.”

McPeek said he would consider other factors, including the likely competition in each of the two Breeders’ Cup races.

“I don’t have to decide now,” he said. “We’ll look at the sheets and the past performances on the probables as we get closer. We will figure it out. Like I said, I like her at a mile-and-a-quarter better. I still would like to look at who is expected, how she holds up on paper and then we will decide how she is doing and where we needs to land.”

McPeek said his filly came out of the Preakness win in perfect shape.

“Last night she finished her feed early,” he said. “That’s not something you can train. They have to have that constitution and she’s got it.”

At age 5, Zenyatta won the Classic in 2009. She is the only filly or mare to have won the race.

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