Silver Expression stakes her claim

Silver Expression made it three wins in five starts when she won last Saturdays $125,000 La Senora Handicap, and she reinforced her status as the top New Mexico-bred 3-year-old filly but it wasnt easy.

Silver Expression didnt seem to mind the muddy track and finished strongly to get the win. A daughter of Silver Season, she hadnt run in two months, having previously won the New Mexico Cup Juvenile Fillies at Zia Park. But under jockey Miguel Perez, Silver Expression, the 6-5 favorite, showed no rust in the six-furlong La Senora. She rated kindly down the backstretch before hitting top velocity in the stretch. She dug in when challenged from the inside by the previously unbeaten Wild Ms. Pinke. The two battled the rest of the way with Silver Expression prevailing by a neck.

She earned $75,000 for owners Dick Cappellucci and Hector DeSantis, who purchased the filly in November after her 11 1/2-length maiden win at Zia Park on Oct. 14. We liked the way she ran at Zia Park, said Cappellucci. We were very lucky to get her.

Wild Ms. Pinke ran a terrific race to be second for owner Lisa Rehburg and trainer Bart Hone. She and Silver Expression could meet again in the Island Fashion for 3-year-old fillies at a mile here Feb. 18, though they would have to face open company.