Currency Swap prevails in Hopeful

Trinniberg has 3 3 /4 lengths on Big Blue Nation (Bluegrass Cat), a clear

third at 11-1. In a largely spread-out field, Laurie's Rocket (Bluegrass Cat),

Power World (Distorted Humor), I'll Have Another (Flower Alley), Hunt Crossing

(Corinthian), Vexor (Wildcat Heir), and the winner's entrymate Clip the Coupons

(Congrats) completed the order of finish. Second choice J C's Pride (Henny

Hughes), who had been the favorite through much of the wagering, was pulled up

around the turn and was vanned off.

"I don't even know how to describe it. I was so excited I thought I was going

to pass out," said winning trainer Terri Pompay, a native of Saratoga Springs,

New York. "It's been exciting and fun because I knew I was bringing a good

horse. This horse is so special. I'm so proud of him that he came through. So

far he's handled everything we've thrown at him. The sloppy track was an unknown

factor -- I wanted to showcase him on a dry track, but he handled it fine.

"Obviously we'd like to do the Breeders' Cup (Juvenile [G1]); we have to

decide whether he'll have a race in between, or give him the time. I think this

horse is going to get better as he gets older, and I think he'll like the added

distance as well."

Co-owner Seth Klarman, of Klaravich Stable, said afterwards that the October

8 Champagne S. (G1) would be a "logical" next spot for Currency Swap, who has

now bankrolled $180,000 from his two wins.

Bred in Florida by Stonecliff Farm, Currency Swap was a $70,000 Fasig-Tipton

July yearling. He is the first stakes winner produced by the unraced Echo Bluff

(Pine Bluff), who has also reared a yearling full sister to the Hopeful winner.

Echo Bluff was produced by the Grade 3 winner You'renotlistening (Kennedy Road),

making her a full sister to multiple stakes winner Your Bluffing and a

half-sister to the Grade 2-placed Nacho Friend (Friends Lake). This is also the

family of Grade 3 winner Black Jack Road (Kennedy Road).