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Swear Allegiance
Photo Credit: Stuart Haman
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LAUREL, MD. 10-04-08---Jockey Travis Dunkelberger and trainer Damon Dilodovico teamed up for their second win on Maryland Million day when Black & Tan Stable’s Swear Allegiance rallied to an upset victory in the $50,000 Distaff Starter Handicap.
Claimed for $7,500 last spring at Pimlico, the grey-roan filly by Swear by Dixie broke on top from her outside post, settled comfortably in mid-pack and then rallied four wide to gain command in deep stretch. She completed the one mile distance in 1:40.81 and won by 2-3/4 lengths over Auntie Millie, with Kenaharra just a head back in third. Swear Allegiance paid $26.20.
Dunkelberger said, “We were able to float out of there and I was able to hand ride her early. The leader really opened up but she came back to us. It’s a long way to that second wire. I don’t ride a bunch for Damon but when we’re together we seem to click.”
Dilodovico said, “Travis gave me another great ride. She broke as sharp as you could ever want and he got her to relax. She just gave it her all. She kept coming and coming and coming.”
Dilodovico and Dunkelberger teamed up to win the $50,000 Maryland Million Starter Handicap in the opening race of the 12-race program.
The winner was bred in Maryland by Bonita Farm and Karen Dempsey.
Defending champion Swear to It finished fourth.
-MJC-