Mac Swiney slogs to victory in Vertem Futurity Trophy

A homebred for trainer Jim Bolger -- O'Brien's old boss -- Mac Swiney was let go at 12-1 after a lackluster eighth in the Sept. 13 Vincent O’Brien National (G1) at the Curragh. Two starts back, however, the chestnut had upset Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) contender Cadillac in the Futurity (G2) on soft, and he reveled in the conditions here.

As Cobh went forward early, Mac Swiney took up a stalking position along with Godolphin’s One Ruler who’d inherited the mantle of favoritism. On the other side of Cobh, Baradar picked up to offer the first major challenge and struck the front.

Mac Swiney and One Ruler were both driven along in pursuit. While One Ruler churned, Mac Swiney gradually began to gain momentum, overtook Baradar, and forged clear. The hard-trying One Ruler kept on to reduce the margin to three-quarters of a length.

Racing for Bolger’s wife, Jackie, and ridden by their son-in-law, Kevin Manning, Mac Swiney slogged the straight mile in 1:41.98. He improved his record to 6-3-0-0, including a Curragh maiden score over Wembley back in July. 

The Vertem Futurity win was worth 10 points on the European Road to the Kentucky Derby, but it’s all about the Epsom Derby (G1) for Mac Swiney. By Bolger’s 2008 Epsom Derby star New Approach, Mac Swiney is out of a mare by another Bolger celebrity, unbeaten champion juvenile Teofilo. Thus Mac Swiney is inbred to the great Galileo, who won the 2001 Derby for O'Brien.

One Ruler earned 4 points in second. Baradar wilted late for third, good for 2 points. Cobh retreated to fourth, adding 1 point to bring up his total to 3 points. State of Rest, Emperor Supreme, Megallan, and King Vega rounded out the order of finish.