SILVER MAX's TURF COURSE MAY RUN TO COLONIAL

"A mile-and-a-quarter in Virginia maybe? We're going to have to sit down and think about it," said Dale Romans about Silver Max, his pace setting winner of the $200,000 American Turf at Churchill Downs Friday night.  Despite having a storm delay the race a half-hour or so, the turf remained firm for Silver Max to hammer solid turf quarters at early point of call.

Silver Max strolls in the $200,000 American Turf. (Photo:Katsumi Seito)

Romans added that the Jefferson Cup at Churchill may also be a target.

Rafael Bejarano gained the mount to Robby Albarado's loss when Albarado was arrested Thursday evening.  Travel Advisory and Howe Great completed the trifecta.  A steward's inquiry of the race resulted in no change.  Jockey Javier Castellano who rides Gemologist in Saturday's Derby was unseated by Star Channel turning for home.

"You just go to the front and hang on and that's what Rafael did.  Just what we told him in the paddock.  Just open up a couple down the backside and he's got great stamina," commented Romans after the race.
"Every once in a while you get those horses that can do it (consistently win on the front end over the turf).  I've got two of them, Little Mike and him.  And they just seem to get stronger as the race goes on,  It's a rare quality."

Romans saddles Dullahan in tomorrow's Kentucky Derby for Donegal Racing.  To complete the  Paddy O'Prado trio who won two major turf races at Colonial, Kent Desormeaux gets the mount.