Silvertown brings slick moves to River Rock sprint
VANCOUVER, B.C. – If Silvertown runs as well as he did in his last start at Keeneland, he is going to be tough in the $50,000 River Rock Casino on Sunday at Hastings. The 6 1/2-furlong sprint headlines an eight-race card that begins at 1:50 p.m. Pacific.
Racing for trainer Eddie Kenneally, Silvertown earned a 77 Beyer Speed Figure for his win in a $75,000 maiden-claiming race April 22 at Keeneland. The Beyer is easily the best among the nine 3-year-olds entered in the River Rock. More importantly, it was the manner in which he won the race that makes him stand out.
Silvertown, with Corey Lanerie aboard, seemed trapped behind horses entering the stretch, but made a big move between horses in midstretch and won the 6 1/2-furlong dash by 4 1/2 lengths.
Acting on behalf of Swift Thoroughbreds Inc., trainer Dino Condilenios claimed Silvertown out of his winning race for $75,000. Condilenios was pleased with his two half-mile works at Hastings with exercise rider Christine Amman aboard.
“I really like him,” Condilenios said. “He’s not a big horse, and he’s handled everything extremely well. Christine said she didn’t turn him loose in either work and that she had a lot of gears she could have used if she wanted to. I am optimistic.”
Silvertown drew post position three with Rico Walcott riding.
Stanz in Command, trained by Charlene Miller, became a triple stakes winner when he won the $50,000 Jim Coleman Province in his first start this year. His only loss sprinting came in the $100,000 Jack Diamond Futurity, where he finished second.
KEY CONTENDERS
Silvertown, by Speightstown
Last 3 Beyers: 77-60-63
◗ His win at Keeneland was visually impressive, and he has looked great on the Hastings track.
◗ DRF FORMULATOR FACT: The past five years, Condilenios has a 40 percent strike rate with new shooters running in non-graded stakes at Hastings.
Stanz In Command, by Second in Command
Last 3 Beyers: 61-60-58
◗ He does his best running late, and there should be speed coming back to him. His sharp half-mile move May 29 is a good sign he will move forward in his second start back.
B C Charlie, by Rosberg
Last 3 Beyers: 66-59-0
◗ Trained by Craig MacPherson, he hasn’t lost in two starts this year and has enough speed to take advantage of his inside post.
Crazy Prophet, by Rosberg
Last 3 Beyers: 59-67-67
◗ The Jim Brown-trainee looked like the winner in the Province until Stanz in Command blew by him late.