Silly Fella upsets Jack Diamond Futurity

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Silly Fella pulled off a $44.40 upset in the $106,373 Jack Diamond Futurity for Canadian-foaled 2-year-old colts and gelding at Hastings on Sunday.

With Chad Hoverson aboard, Silly Fella broke sharply and led from start to finish. Setting moderate fractions of 22.41 and 46.31 seconds, Silly Fella had a one-length lead after the first half-mile. He opened up a 4 1/2-length lead at the top of the stretch and then drew off to win by 8 3/4 lengths over Dyna Stroll.

"I had never seen him before I got to the paddock," said Hoverson. "It looked like he had tactical speed and when he broke on top I just sat on him and went on with it. It thought there would be a bit more pace in the race but I was comfortable having him on the lead."

The final time for the 6 1/2 furlongs was 1:17.42.

Silly Fella earned $63,824 for her owners Nick and Pauline Felicella. He is trained by Lenore Daponte.

Vying Ty Grr leads throughout in Sadie Diamond

On Saturday, Vying Ty Grr scored a convincing front-running victory in the $106,815 Sadie Diamond Futurity for 2-year-old fillies foaled in Canada.

With Richard Hamel aboard, Vying Ty Grr broke alertly and was under pressure from Storm Vixen while laying down fractions of 22.41 and 45.78. Turning for home she held a 2 1/2-length lead over odds-on favorite Victorious Vye, and then widened her margin to win by four lengths. Final time for the 6 1/2 furlongs was 1:17.90.

"She's really good away from the gate," said Hamel. "" gave her a breather going down the backstretch, and when I asked her at the quarter pole that was about it."

Trained by Barbara Heads, Vying Ty Grr paid $9.10 as the second choice in the wagering.

Trainer Rob Gilker saddled the second-, third-, and fourth-place finishers, Victorious Vye, Storm Vixen, and Indy Beauty.