Silver Crown wins first stakes in Leggio

Silver Crown drove up the rail in the stretch for a two-length win over Red Lifesaver in the $75,000 Dr. A.B. Leggio Memorial at the Fair Grounds meet at Louisiana Downs on Saturday.

It was another half-length back in third to favored Josh's Madelyn.

The Leggio, which had been held at 5 1/2 furlongs on turf since 1992, was run at seven furlongs on the main track this year.

Silver Crown ($24) settled about four lengths behind Southern Surprise, who set fractions of 22.90 seconds for the opening quarter and 45.34 for the half-mile mark while under pressure from Tempus Fugit.

Silver Crown advanced on the turn as the pacesetters hit the quarter pole together. By midstretch, Silver Crown found room along the inside and completed the distance over a fast track in 1:23.34.

Jockey Calvin Borel rode the winner for trainer Frank Springer.

Silver Crown earned $45,000 for the win, which was her first in a stakes. She has won 5 of 21 starts and earned $221,440. Silver Crown is a 4-year-old by Distorted Humor and races for Russell Reineman Stable Inc.

Borel picked up the mount with James Graham off all of his mounts Saturday.