SILVER MAX ENTERED IN ARLINGTON'S AMERICAN

Leading three year old turf colt SILVER MAX.

By Nick Hahn

Trainer Dale Romans' loaded three year old turf stable entered three in Arlington Park's $200,000 American Derby (G3) slated on Saturday including leading colt Silver Max.  Preakness starter Cozzetti and Quick Wit complete Romans' turf trio.

This year alone, Silver Max has won his last six turf starts never surrendering the lead.  His only 2012 defeat was in the Holy Bull slop at Gulfstream Park in January.

Romans interviewed on Off to the Races Friday evening (July 6th) thought that Finnegan's Wake would start in the $600,000 Virginia Derby (G2) on July 21st with Cozzetti heading to the American Derby.   The decision where Silver Max and Quick Wit would be entered was to be made this morning.  Romans added that he did want to see how the American Derby field turned up.  The Virginia Derby nomination box stays open until Thursday, July 12th.  

Romans also has likely Haskill starter Dullahan, third in the Kentucky Derby yet runner up in the 150,000 Palm Beach (G3) on the Gulfstream turf.  Both Finnegan's Wake and Dullahan are owned by Jerry Crawford's Donegal Racing.  With Paddy O'Prado Donegal won Colonial's "twin turf" in 2010; the Colonial Turf Cup and Virginia Derby.  Romans trains Silver Max for owners Mark Bacon and Dana Wells.  Robby Albarado gets the mount.


Finnegan's Wake won a Churchill Downs allowance race three weeks ago.  In the American Turf over Kentucky Derby weekend won by Silver Max, Finnegan's Wake rallied for fourth after a lousy trip that included swerving around a fallen rider.  Silver Max and Cozzetti finished one-two in June's $200,000 Oliver Stakes at Indiana Downs with Silver Max setting a track record.