Connie Swingle A Prompt Favorite In Generous Portion

DEL MAR, CA – Nick Alexander homebred Connie Swingle grabbed a good spot early in the 6-furlong Generous Portion Stakes Friday, then drew well clear in the lane to tally by 3 1/4 lengths Friday at Del Mar as the 7/10 favorite in a field of 10 2-year-old California-bred fillies.

Owner-breeder Alexander also ran second in the $102,000 feature with his Carmen Miranda. Finishing third was George Krikorian’s homebred Big Novel.

Connie Swingle, ridden by Geovanni Franco trained by Phil D’Amato, had scored the initial victory of her career in a straight maiden race at Del Mar on August 6 and her winner’s share of $57,000 in the dash increased her bankroll to $108,000.

“Phil told me to play the break and get a good spot with her,” Franco said. “We did that. She was running nice and easy, and when we got to the turn, I think she was playing with them. When we straightened out in the lane, she just went. She’s very talented.”

Final time for the 29th edition of the 6 panels was a solid 1:10.89. The winner paid $3.40, $2.60, and $2.20. Carmen Miranda returned $6.80 and $4.00, while Big Novel paid $3.00.

“I think she showed her class down the lane,” D’Amato said. “That’s a very respectable time for Cal-bred 2-year-old fillies. I think she’ll run on and the same for Carmen Miranda. I think she’s just kind of dying for two turns. On to Santa Anita.”