It’s not many horses that can win a stake in back to back years.  A trio of such victories is even more rare a feat.  Saturday at Fonner Park, Spice Swirl made it four straight Orphan Kist victories with her front running victory in the $25,000, six furlong dash for state bred fillies and mares.

“Four in a row,” said trainer Brian Roberts. “It’s going to be tough to beat that.”

Spice Swirl had plenty of company up front as the field was spread four wide through the first turn but the odds on favorite had the advantage of the rail and saved all the ground down the backstretch.

“We knew that we were going to be pinned on the inside,” said jockey Jake Olesiak.  “We knew we had to go and I knew they’d try to go with her; it’s the only way they could beat her.”

The eight year old mare kept her head in front through the turn and by the time the field straightened for home she had opened a three length lead that kept growing through the lane before crossing under the wire 5 1/4 in 1:14.2.

“She doesn’t believe that she’s an eight year old,” Roberts continued.  “She trains like a young horse and she just loves it.  This is her life.”

Spice Swirl returned $3.80, $2.80, $3.00.  9-1 Sweetedge finished second and paid $6.20 and $5.00.  Artificial Diamond was up for third and paid $6.40.