Clara’s Gone West stands out in Niagara

The $50,000 Niagara at Finger Lakes on Monday will be the first stakes start and sternest test to date for the undefeated Clara’s Gone West, the younger sister of reigning two-time horse of the meet Breakin the Fever.

Clara’s Gone West did not race last year at age 2 but has won three races by large margins since April 24. Like Breakin the Fever, a winner of 17 of 27 starts and $500,000, Clara’s Gone West is by Roaring Fever and out of the Rodeo mare Breakers West. Ronnie and Debra Breed bred and own both horses.

The Niagara, a six-furlong sprint for New York-bred 3-year-old fillies, is not an easy spot. The field of nine includes Swing and Sway, a two-time winner against open company at Oaklawn Park this winter; Filibustin, who won the Joseph A. Gimma and Key Cents stakes at Aqueduct last fall; and Tiznow’s Smile, who was third last out in the Bouwerie at Belmont Park.

Ricardo Santana Jr., who has been aboard Swing and Sway for all five of her starts, and Jose Lezcano, who rode Filibustin three times last year, will travel upstate for the race. Local rider John D. Davila Jr. has the mount on Tiznow’s Smile.

But the Niagara goes straight through Clara’s Gone West, who surprisingly was 10-1 when she won her debut by 7 1/4 lengths and was 5-1 when she trounced allowance rivals by 4 3/4 lengths in her second start.

Bet down to 1-20 for her third race two weeks ago, Clara’s Gone West again showed Quarter Horse speed from the gate en route to a 5 3/4-length allowance score. She has yet to be headed in a race.

NIAGARA, RACE 8 KEY CONTENDERS

Clara’s Gone West, by Roaring Fever Last 3 Beyers: 63-81-61

◗ Nazario Alvarez, who has been aboard for all of her wins and is 7 for 8 on Breakin the Fever, will be back aboard.

Swing and Sway, by Maclean’s Music Last 3 Beyers: 60-83-82

◗ She won a maiden and an allowance race in three Oaklawn Park starts for trainer Ron Moquett.

◗ In the May 28 Bouwerie at Belmont, which was run over a sloppy, sealed track, she broke

outward and bumped a rival from post 1, stalked the pace along the inside to the stretch, and then tired to finish eighth. Expect a better effort here.

Filibustin, by Bustin Stones Last 3 Beyers: 56-64-66

◗ She went 3 for 4 last year for trainer Greg Sacco. This will be her first start since she finished third, beaten a half-length, in a New York Stallion Stakes last December at Aqueduct.

Tiznow’s Smile, by Tiznow Last 3 Beyers: 79-61-63

◗ She finished third of 10 in the seven-furlong Bouwerie last out for Charlton Baker. This race may be a bit short for her.