Silver Assault tries to turn tables on California Diamond in Speakeasy

ARCADIA, Calif. – Silver Assault has a score to settle with California Diamond on Sunday at Santa Anita.

California Diamond defeated Silver Assault by more than three lengths in July, but the margin might not reflect the relative abilities of the two. California Diamond had a perfect trip; Silver Assault was eliminated by an imperfect start. He broke slowly and finished third.

They meet again Sunday in the $70,000 Speakeasy, a six-furlong stakes for 2-year-olds that is Silver Assault’s first start in three months. While he was off, California Diamond emerged as one of the most consistent 2-year-olds on the circuit.

Following his win in the Santa Anita Juvenile, California Diamond was sold for $125,000 to Rockingham Ranch and transferred to trainer Peter Miller. Three stakes starts later, including one win, the colt is only $21,500 short of earning back his purchase price.

“For a 2-year-old, he’s very professional, hard-trying, hard-knocking,” Miller said.

California Diamond showed a new dimension last out, rallying from off the pace in heavy traffic to win a restricted stakes, the Barretts Juvenile, by 1 1/4 lengths. The win was particularly impressive because he was wheeling back just 16 days after his previous start.

“It’s not ideal, but then he ran his top Beyer,” Miller said.

The 82 Beyer Speed Figure is the top figure earned by the six entered in the Speakeasy.

Silver Assault, trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, was sidelined after his third-place finish in the Santa Anita Juvenile.

“He had a tiny little problem with his shins, and he got over it and has been working real good,” Hollendorfer said.

Hollendorfer said he worked Silver Assault from the gate Sept. 25 “just to remind him.” The colt also has been schooled at the gate. With a clean start Sunday from the outside post, he should give California Diamond a run for his money.

Speakeasy, Race 5

KEY CONTENDERS

California Diamond, by Harbor the Gold

Last 3 Beyers: 82-77-69

◗ His fall schedule includes the $200,000 Golden Gate Juvenile on Nov. 5. He will be ridden by Kent Desormeaux.

Silver Assault, by Maclean’s Music

Last 2 Beyers: 69-77

◗ Norberto Arroyo takes over for Martin Garcia.

Right Hand Man, by Street Boss

Last 3 Beyers: 65-64-63

◗ He won the Cavonnier Juvenile Stakes after finishing sixth behind California Diamond in the Santa Anita Juvenile. Jeff Bonde trains.