Mint Leaf Defeats River Fame in the Swingtime at Hollypark

Darrel HcHargue and Mint Leaf pressured favored River Fame, ridden by Laffit Pincay, and finally wore her down Wednesday to win the $40,800 The Swingtime by a neck at Hollywood Park.

A driving Loucoum, ridden by Eric St. Martin, finished another half-length back in the 1 1/16-mile turf race for 3-year-old fillies.

Mint Leaf ran the distance in 1:42 3/5 to defeat six rivals and pick up the $22,800 winner’s purse.

Sent off the third choice, Mint Leaf paid $11, $4.40 and $3. River Fame, the even-money favorite, paid $3 and $2.40, and Loucoum returned $3.20 to show.

Mint Leaf trailed River Fame throughout most of the race but never let her get more than a half-length in front.

Loucoum saved gound most of the race and responded in the drive but could not catch the leaders.