Utah Beach, Under Ignacio Correas, Steps Up to the Big Stage in the Sword Dancer Stakes

The Argentine will go all in at Saratoga with his top stayer, facing the likes of Nations Pride, El Cordobés, and defending champion Far Bridge

Utah Beach (center) winning the Elkhorn Stakes earlier this season at Keeneland / KEENELAND

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).- The history of the G1 Sword Dancer Stakes has been written by some of the turf's global titans. This Saturday, when Saratoga stages the latest renewal of the prestigious $750,000 event over 1 1/2 miles on the inner turf course, one name aiming to etch his own chapter is that of Argentine native Ignacio Correas IV, who will saddle Utah Beach in pursuit of an upset that could vault the gray into elite company.

The task is formidable. Standing in his way will be the likes of Nations Pride (Teofilo), a multiple G1 winner for Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby, who also brings the promising El Cordobes (Frankel) into the fray. Defending champion Far Bridge (English Channel) returns for trainer Christophe Clement, ready to shine again at the Spa. But Utah Beach has already proven he belongs in the conversation, and his 2025 campaign backs it up.

Owned by Jeffrey Amling and Merribelle Stable, the son of English Channel enjoyed a dream spring, scoring back-to-back victories in the G2 Elkhorn Stakes at Keeneland and the G3 Louisville Stakes at Churchill Downs—both at the Sword Dancer distance, both with electric finishes, and both yielding numbers that resonate. In the former, he got the better of the reliable Limited Liability (Kitten’s Joy), while in the latter he dominated the consistent Verstappen(War Front), earning a career-best 100 Beyer Speed Figure.

His most recent outing is best forgiven: he finished seventh in the Chorleywood Stakes at Churchill after encountering serious traffic around the quarter pole, losing all momentum just as he was poised to unleash his customary late kick.

Saturday’s challenge, however, goes through bona fide turf stars. Nations Pride is a known quantity on the world stage. The Teofilo homebred has scored in five different countries and stretches back out to 1 1/2 miles after toggling between 10 and 11 furlongs. A winner of the 2022 Saratoga Derby, he was runner-up in last year’s G1 Manhattan, and has registered major victories in Germany, Canada, and the UAE. “I think the return to a mile and a half is just what he needs at this point,” said Appleby. “If he brings his best, he’s going to be a major player.”

Appleby also sends out El Cordobes, a name that rings familiar for South American fans, though the 4-year-old colt is all Frankel talent. A recent winner of the G2 Princess of Wales’s Stakes at Newmarket, he showed both stamina and class. “He’s a bit more untested, but he’s got that European quality, likes firm turf, and could surprise,” said Appleby, who continues to make a major impact stateside.

Far Bridge, meanwhile, will look to reprise the formula that brought him victory in this race a year ago. With Joel Rosario back aboard, and a rock-solid record (9-for-18), the son of English Channel enters off a convincing score in the G2 Bowling Green, having already added this season’s G1 Man o’ War and G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic to his résumé. “He’s sound, versatile, and in great form,” said Miguel Clement.

The field also includes multiple graded-stakes-tested runners such as Grand Sonata (Medaglia d’Oro) and El Rezeen(English Channel), both representing Todd Pletcher; Vote No (Divisidero), a three-time stakes winner; Rebel Red(Frankel); and Padiddle (Empire Maker), who ships in from Florida seeking a class test.

For Ignacio Correas IV, the Sword Dancer represents more than just a G1—it’s another opportunity to add a significant chapter to his American story, one already marked by big-stage success since his move to Kentucky. With Utah Beach, the Argentine horseman returns to the spotlight with renewed belief—and a distance-loving runner proven capable of taking on the very best.