I noticed that, from Thursday through Sunday, Silverton Hill LLC (Tommy and Bonnie Hamilton) had four horses make their debuts at Keeneland. Now that the dust has settled, I find three of them rather interesting.
Two-year-old Zoloto became one of the first 50 winners from his crop. He is intriguing from multiple perspectives, including that he is by Medaglia d'Oro, and that he was 7th of 9 at the first call, slanting the odds heavily against him. Not only did he win, but he won comfortably, by 3 3/4 lengths. The time appears to have been solid, second fastest of the five Keeneland 2-year-old races at the meet, and also the second best figure in my rendering (Allaboutcaroline is tops in both categories). On the negative side of the ledger, Zoloto didn't change leads. His price as a yearling ($120,000) is far from worrisome, but it's safe to say he wasn't blazing a trail in that regard the way he did by winning so early this year. The great tease Saints Cup, subject of a disputed private sale after winning first out at Saratoga by 9 3/4 lengths at 2 in 1999, is under the 2nd dam. Forever Full also produced Regiment, who won the USA Stakes, a good race. That he won $288,000 in just eight starts can be regarded as either a glass half full or half empty (to speak of Forever Full). The eight starts may signal a lack of soundness in the family again, although I don't know what exactly ended Regiment's career. Zoloto's dam herself, Eternal Cup, won $168,000, and was a solid sprinter for Steve Asmussen. Stamina/speed crosses, such as produced Zoloto, are exciting when they give signs of having worked.
Three-year-old Towner is half brother to Silverton Hill's two-time graded stakes winner and turf sprinter specialist Havelock. Given his pedigree, I'm surprised he was risked for $50,000, and even more surprised that he won after that show of no confidence. He is a gelding, which certaiinly reduces his financial upside. Looking at his speed figure, and margins of a nose, head, and neck separating the first four finishers, he certainly may been placed correctly. He wasn't claimed, in any event.
Towner went to the maiden claiming race, but Wickersheim was reserved for the maiden special weight on the same day. A $560,000 yearling by Unbridled's Song out of Sweet Nanette, and a Triple Crown nominee, his finish was about as mid-pack (7th of 12) as one can be. I saw small positive signs, however, and he appeared to not be persevered with much throughout the race after a terribly slow start. It looked like he was out there for the experience after the start. I saw a horse who looking willing in the stretch, while most 12-length losses are invariably marked by a fade.
The fourth first-time starter was the Smart Strike colt Washington Dash, who finished 6th of 8 while the field clustered behind blowout winner Let's Go Ben. Washington Dash was 3-1, the second choice.
Silverton Hill also started Indulgence in the 5 1/2 furlong Giant's Causeway on Saturday. She finished 5th by 3 3/4 but was 16 lengths back after 3/8ths of a mile. I remember seeing her win at the same distance in an allowance at Keeneland last fall. It was fun to see her win with that style; Zoloto certainly doesn't have anything on her.
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