Swaps Stakes classic
There have been some famous horses win the Swaps Stakes at Hollywod Park, including Surf Cat, Rock Hard Ten, Free House, Best Pal and Precisionist. But perhaps the most famous running of the stake came in 1977, when J.O. Tobin shocked the thoroughbred racing world by blowing undefeated Triple Crown champion Seattle Slew off the track. Seattle Slew was unplaced that July afternoon, the worst race of his career. Listen to whom I still consider the best race caller of all time, Harry Henson, call the 1977 Swaps and tell us that J.O. Tobin is widening his lead and that Seattle Slew is dropping back and is "well-beaten."
This year, the 34th running of the Swaps does not feature a star-studded field. The most famous horse is the probable favorite, Tiago, who won the Santa Anita Derby, ran seventh in the Kentucky Derby and then finished third in the Belmont Stakes. It's still the Swaps, but it lacks some of the luster it's enjoyed in past runnings.
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