The 20th Running of The Sword Dancer-G1
Saturday, August 27, 2022
SAR Race #10 $750.000
4+ 123 Lbs 11/2 Inner Turf
G1 BC TURF AUTO-QUALIFIER
Course/Stakes Record-2:24.36 (Classical Composer-2015)
If there were any questions about who was in the driver’s seat of the older male turf division, King Que Niagra provided a definitive answer in Saturday’s G1 Sword Dancer at the Spa. Notching his third G1 of the season, the D J C Racing Stables-trainee got the best of one of the most accomplished fields seen this year. King Que Niagra was already sitting in the body of the BC Turf field with the points he had amassed earlier in the season, but the 6yo gelding punched his ticket to KEE when he crossed the wire in 2:24.70. The winner now sports a bankroll of $1,726.600 that he’s earned in a career that’s seen him go 30-8-4-4.
Breaking from stall eight in the 9-horse field, King Que Niagra settled in 6th while racing three-wide during the first run down the backstretch. Nevada Silver led them through a leisurely half mile in :48.85, but the eventual winner held his course and position while just three back. King Que Niagra moved a bit closer and joined the tail end of the quartet of horses stalking the leader as he entered the backstretch for a 2nd time.
As they reached the turn, King Que Niagra tipped out six-wide as he tried to follow Billy Joel and Never Met Me as that duo looked to seize control of the race. Billy Joel would be the leader as they passed the quarter pole in 2:00.58, but King Que Niagra was ranging up on the outside. Moving powerfully through the lane, the winner collared his rival just inside the furlong marker and increased his advantage to almost a full length as he hit the wire. Billy Joel was a clear 2nd best on the day while Nevada Silver held off Never Met Me and Afterburner, respectively in a three-way bob for the show honors. Key Biscayne, Ags Cherokee, Outcross, and Cinnamon Strike completed the order of finish.
On a day of multiple “statement” wins, King Que Niagra and D J C Racing Stables deserve congratulations on their performance in The Sword Dancer-G1 and for booking their travel arrangements for their trip to KEE in November.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
