Silver Dust Golden in Mineshaft
Image:
Description:
Photo: Hodges Photography / Amanda Hodges Weir
Silver Dust and jockey Jack Gilligan pull away in the Mineshaft Handicap at Fair Grounds
Silver Dust was fractious in the gate, rearing just prior to the start of the Feb. 16 Mineshaft Handicap (G3) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, but was strong in the stretch. Tom Durant's 5-year-old Tapit gelding powered to an impressive 2 1/4-length victory over Harlan Punch, getting the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.46. Flameaway, the third choice in the Mineshaft, was three-quarters of a length back in third. Favored Lone Sailor finished sixth.
Jack Gilligan was aboard for trainer Bret Calhoun and notched his first graded stakes score. Calhoun recently collared his 3,000th career win.
"He's talented but very difficult," Calhoun confirmed after the $150,000 race. "It's a challenge to get him to do in the afternoon what he shows us in the mornings. We school him all the time. He's getting there. His last four races have been very consistent."
Flameaway, a participant in last year's Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1), took the early lead under Tyler Gaffalione and set moderate splits of :25.93 for the opening quarter-mile and :50.74 for the half while being tracked by Phat Man, Long On Luck, and Third Day. As the field bunched on the turn after six furlongs in 1:14.82, Silver Dust came with a wide, sweeping move to collar the leaders. He quickly opened up in the lane, getting a mile in 1:39.08, then cruised to the wire while in the middle of the track with a final sixteenth in :06.38.
"He's a typical Tapit; he has ability when he wants to go forward," Gilligan said. "They slowed it down out there, but we had a dream trip."
The winner paid $13.40, $5.60, and $4. Harlan Punch returned $4.20 and $3, and Flameaway paid $4.20. Imperative, Thirstforlife, and Quip were scratched.
In his previous start, the Jan. 19 Louisiana Stakes, Silver Dust finished three-quarters of a length behind Harlan Punch. He closed his 2018 campaign with an allowance win at Churchill Downs and an optional-claiming allowance score at Fair Grounds. The win gives Silver Dust a 4-4-2 slate from 19 outings and earnings of $354,607.
The first foal out of the stakes-winning Hard Spun mare Filare l'Oro, Silver Dust was bred in Kentucky by Don Alberto Corporation. He was a $510,000 purchase by Durant from De Meric Sales' consignment to the Ocala Breeders' Sales' March Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training in 2016. De Meric pinhooked him for $270,000 from Taylor Made Sales Agency's offerings at the 2015 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Filare l'Oro produced a colt by Empire Maker in 2018.