Streaking Silver State Rallies to Take Oaklawn Handicap
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Photo: Coady Photography
Silver State wins the Oaklawn Handicap at Oaklawn Park
A well-regarded 3-year-old in the early part of last year, Silver State fell off the Triple Crown trail last March when seventh in the Twinspires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
But since resuming racing last fall, he has performed flawlessly, including the $1 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2) at Oaklawn Park April 17, a race he won by half-length over Fearless . The race was his fifth consecutive victory and his first at the graded level.
Breaking from the rail, the Hard Spun colt took advantage of a ground-saving ride from jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. The rider settled him in fifth, hugging the inside into the first of two turns, as Warrior's Charge shot to the lead with a quick opening quarter in :22.73 while chased by Express Train .
Down the backstretch and early on the second turn, Silver State lost position, falling back into sixth after a half-mile in :47. 06, and back to seventh after six furlongs in 1:11.67, but more importantly, he was again able to cut the corner.
Santana then called him into action and the colt began to pick up the leaders, and after fanning out five wide into the stretch, wore down the opposition. The Winchell Thoroughbreds and Willis Horton Racing-owned runner completed 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.56 on a fast track, carrying 118 pounds, four fewer pounds than high weight Express Train.
Saturday's victory came on co-owner Willis Horton's birthday, said Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen.
"The five-race win streak and putting it all together against such a talented field today, significant race—extremely pleased with him," Asmussen said of his trainee. "The horse has been training really well. He's figured out winning. I think what we saw in the two races here previously, he chose to win. They were very competitive. Watching the races, just like today, I think that's made all the difference in him.”
Asmussen and Santana notched their first victories in the Oaklawn Handicap.
Fearless , who came under pressure after stalking the leaders, fell back to sixth in midstretch but fought to grab second, a length in front of favored Express Train in third. Owendale rallied outside to be fourth.
Express Train's trainer, John Shirreffs, and jockey, Juan Hernandez, offered no excuse.
"He was tracking the horse in front of me and was comfortable," Hernandez said of his mount. "When I asked him to go, he responded really well. We just got beat this time."
Bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings, Silver State is one of four winners from as many starters out of the stakes-winning Empire Maker mare Supreme . The dam also has a 2-year-old Candy Ride colt and a yearling Uncle Mo colt.
Winchell Thoroughbreds paid $450,000 for Silver State at the 2018 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, where he was consigned by Eaton Sales, agent for Stonestreet Bred and Raised. He improved his record to 6-2-1 from 10 starts with earnings of $1,230,094.