Silver Max continues winning streak with a victory in the Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs
The Dale Romans trained, Silver Max, stretched his winning record from five to six when he landed the Grade 2 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs on 21st July, 2012. It wasn’t the easiest of rides, but he managed to get the job
done anyway.
The son of Badge of Silver, foaled by mare Kissin Rene, raced for the first time on a turf course that wasn't firm.
This hindered his run a little, but he delivered his best as he completed the 1 ¼ mile course in 2 minutes and 04.05 seconds.
Teamed with jockey Robby Albarado, the sophomore finished 1 length before the Graham Motion trained, Lucky Chappy, whereas the third place was secured by, Finnegans Wake.
The Kentucky bred runner took the lead as soon as he broke out of his post, and turned in the first quarter mile in 24.91 seconds, half-mile in 50.21 seconds, as Coach Royal and Two Months Rent kept close tabs.
At this point, Two Months Rent, with rider Julian Pimentel, bolted to the front, but the move resulted in an accident, when Julian Pimentel’s saddle slipped forward and he lost control. The runner pulled up and was out of the running.
In the upper stretch, Silver Max was threatened by Coach Royal and Easy Crossing but, Robby Albarado handled it well, used the whip and guided his runner to a one length victory. Regarding this, the jockey remarked:
"He has a tremendous turn of foot."He further added: "All I had to do was ask."
With this victory, Silver Max now has a record of 7-5-0 in 13 starts and, has earning of $855,967.
He handled the large distance well and gave trainer Dale Romans a third victory in the Virginia Derby, who previously saddled Kitten's Joy in 2004 and Paddy O'Prado in 2010.
Romans commented:
“This is a special horse.
The handler further added: "The only question was if he could get the mile-and-the-quarter. Now I don't know what it would take for another horse to beat him."
This was the third graded victory for the Mark Bacon owned runner, who claimed the Grade 3 Transylvania Stakes at Keeneland and Grade 2 American Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs.
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