Sir Silver Fox strong in stakes prep

Sir Silver Fox established himself as a viable candidate for next month's $100,000 Webb Snyder Stakes at Charles Town by winning a 4 1/2-furlong optional claiming race with a 97 Beyer Speed Figure last Saturday night.

The Webb Snyder, named in honor of the 96-year-old former jockey who rode at Charles Town's inaugural meet as a 20-year-old in 1933, will be contested at 4 1/2 furlongs and is among three supporting six-figure stakes on the April 18 card headed by the inaugural running of the Charles Town Classic.

Among the horses under consideration for the 1 1/8-mile Classic are Commentator and Grade 2 winner Smooth Air. As a Grade 1 winner, Commentator would run for a $1 million purse. Under the purse scale set by the track, based on a horse's accomplishments, the race would be worth $750,000 for Grade 2 winner Smooth Air.

If Sir Silver Fox does return to Charles Town for the Webb Snyder, the 6-year-old gelding will be running for new connections. He was claimed for $32,000 by trainer Crystal Pickett on behalf of Argo One Racing Stable.

Sir Silver Fox won by 2 1/4 lengths over another possible Webb Snyder candidate, Missacity Luke, an 8-year-old who was making his first start since December.

Missacity Luke is a proven short-sprint specialist over the course, where he is a two-time winner of the Dash for Cash Stakes on West Virginia Breeders Classic Night and finished second by a nose in the $112,000 stakes last fall.

Missacity Luke is now in the barn of Kevin Joy, who is enjoying a career resurgence. After winning just 7 races in 144 starts last year, Joy has gone 16 for 62 so far in 2009, including a 6-for-19 streak at Charles Town since March 15.