Silver Bandana, Platinum Tiara run one-two for Waunsch

MIAMI - Platinum Tiara received all the attention coming into Saturday's $150,000 Calder Breeders' Cup Handicap, but trainer Joe Waunsch warned everybody not to forget his other horse in the race, the older and more experienced Silver Bandana. Waunsch proved prophetic when Silver Bandana upset her more publicized stablemate, rallying to a one-length victory under a rail-skimming ride by Rene Douglas.

Silver Bandana settled about six lengths off the pace of Racing for Pahm in the run down the backstretch, quickly moved into the attending position after slipping through along the hedge on the second turn, overtook the leader near midstretch, then withstood Platinum Tiara, who outfinished 8-5 favorite Clearly a Queen by a head to complete a one-two sweep for Waunsch.

"I always had a lot of faith in this filly and figured she'd win a big race eventually," said Waunsch of Silver Bandana. "She had bad trips in each of her last three starts."

As for the 3-year-old Platinum Tiara, who did get pinched back between horses into the far turn, Waunsch was not disappointed. "She ran a good race," said Waunsch. "She was a little rank early but she got beat by an older mare."

Silver Bandana paid $13.80 and combined with her uncoupled mate for a $57.40 exacta return. Final time for the 1 1/16 miles on turf was 1:44.71 over a good course.

Waunsch expects Platinum Tiara to get an invitation to the $250,000 Honeymoon Breeders' Cup Handicap at Hollywood Park on July 1. Silver Bandana will likely make her next start in the Aspidistra Stakes at Calder on June 16.