Silver State Pointed Toward Fall Race at Belmont Park

Following a third-place finish in the Aug. 7 Whitney Stakes (G1), Silver State  is likely to make his next start at Belmont Park in one of two spots, said David Fiske, racing manager for Winchell Thoroughbreds, co-owner of the colt with Willis Horton Racing. 

Fiske indicated the one-mile $300,000 Kelso Handicap (G2) Sept. 25 or the 1 1/8-mile, $500,000 Woodward Stakes (G1) Oct. 2 are the two leading options for the 4-year-old son of Hard Spun  . In June, the Steve Asmussen-trained colt won Hill 'N' Dale Metropolitan Handicap (G1) over a mile on the Belmont main track. The Met Mile was part of a six-race win streak before his loss in the Whitney at Saratoga Race Course, in which he finished 6 1/4 lengths behind Knicks Go .

"He's doing great," Fiske said. "He's been remarkably sound all year."

Fiske said plans for Winchell Thoroughbreds' Midnight Bourbon  are still in flux after a runner-up effort in the Runhappy Travers Stakes (G1). 

Fiske also reported that Winchell Thoroughbreds' Adirondack Stakes (G2) winner Wicked Halo  is getting rest. The daughter of Gun Runner   won the Adirondack this summer in wire-to-wire fashion by 3 1/2 lengths. Her dam Just Wicked  also won the 2015 Adirondack. 

"She's taking a little break. After the Adirondack we decided to just give her some time and get her ready for the later part of the year," Fiske said.