What a difference a year makes for a filly. After only one start as a two-year-old, Swanya has come back for her second season with a different vibe, winning both of the preliminary rounds of the Mya Tri Series and coming back to dominate in the $18,000 final Wed. April 19 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park.
Swanya and John DeLong remain perfect for 2023 and sweep the Mya Tri Series Wed. April 19 at Harrah’s Hoosier Park. Photo by Dean Gillette
Starting from post three, Swanya and driver John DeLong used early speed to leave the gate but had to take a seat behind Ten Count and James Yoder at the quarter in :29.1. The sophomore filly was out and around for the lead well before the half in :58.0 and that is where Swanya kicked into another gear. Fillies began to work their way to the outside and move up, but Swanya was untouchable.
In the stretch, Swanya pulled away to an open length advantage as DeLong was along for the ride. The duo crossed under the wire in 1:56.2, a new lifetime mark. Silver Craft and Jordan Ross finished five lengths back in second over That’s All You and Walter Haynes Jr. for third. Ironically, That’s All You is a daughter of Mya Tri, who was campaigned during her career by Haynes for Owner Bob Wientjes, who is an accountant in Louisville, Ky.
Swanya paid $2.60 for the win as the favorite. The Swan for All filly is now undefeated in three starts this season for owner Jackie Beeman. Missy Essig, her daughter, trains the filly, who was bred by Leonard Miller.
Swanya doubled her career earnings to $18,000 with the win. She was a $25,000 purchase from the Hoosier Classic Yearling Sale in 2021. She is a full sister to the great Whata Swan, who just retired with more than $550,000 in earnings and is now standing at stud in Pennsylvania. Whata Swan holds the distinction of having the fastest trotting mile recorded in Indiana at 1:50.3. The family also includes Racin Cream Pie with a mark of 1:56.2 and earnings of more than $72,000 and Tanya’s Joy, who has a mark of 1:57.2 with $30,000 on her card. Both are fillies and both are by Whom Shall I Fear. They are also both still racing.
Swanya has a full brother that is a two-year-old in 2023 named Swan for Life that is owned by John Barnard, owner of Whata Swan. The family also has a yearling colt by Pilot Discretion named Pilots Legacy.
Delong and Essig also connected in the $18,000 final with Helpfirstedition in the Cardinal. The three-year-old Helpisontheway gelding got away fifth and was flushed third over heading to the three-quarter mile marker. In the stretch, he was just like his stablemate. The gelding took over and lengthened his lead to four and one-half lengths for the win in 1:55.3, also a new lifetime best. Where’s Jesse and Trace Tetrick finished second over Long Dan and Brad Ferguson for third.
Helpfirstedition paid $3.40 for the win. He is owned by Ervin Wickey, John Graber, Running Wild Stables and John Schmucker. Martin Wickey bred the gelding, who is now three for four in his career after not racing at two. He also swept the Cardinal Series and is currently on a three-race win streak for his connections.