Swiss Skydiver, the only filly in the race, capped off the strangest-ever Triple Crown series by defeating Kentucky Derby winner Authentic in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes after a tight duel down the Pimlico stretch.
Oct.3 (UPI) — Swiss Skydiver, the only filly in the race, capped off the strangest-ever Triple Crown series by defeating Kentucky Derby winner Authentic in Saturday’s Preakness Stakes after a tight duel down the Pimlico Race Course stretch. She became only the sixth filly to win the race, and left the Triple Crown with three different winners in as many events. Into the bargain, long shot Jesus’ Team edged Art Collector for third. It was an emotionally satisfying finish for winning trainer Kenny McPeek, jockey Robby Albarado, who had never before ridden Swiss Skydiver, and owner Peter Callahan. It also seemed a fitting climax to a Triple Crown that was scrambled by the pandemic cancellations and travel restrictions. For trainer Bob Baffert, seeking his seventh Preakness win, Authentic’s narrow loss was a low point following the euphoria of his win at Churchill Downs. Swiss Skydiver, a daughter of Daredevil, came to Baltimore for the Preakness with some question marks. She won the Santa Anita Oaks in June, then finished second behind Art Collector when sent out against male competition in the Blue Grass at Keeneland in July. She returned to win the prestigious Alabama at Saratoga but then was second in the Kentucky Oaks — a race McPeek thought she could have won with a bit more racing luck.
