Jones Guides Silver River to OTOBA Stallion Win

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(from track report)
Jockey Clark Jones added another stakes victory on Saturday when he guided Silver River to victory in the $15,000 Oregon Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association Stallion Stakes at Portland Meadows.

Chalking up stakes win number four for the month of January, Jones stalked the pace set by entry-mate Mountain Band, no more than three lengths behind the leader at any time.

"I knew I had a lot of horse under me," said Jones, who also won his 998th career race Saturday. "Mountain Band wasn't backing up any so I had to move."

Setting fractions of :22 3/5 and :45 4/5 seconds, Mountain Band and rider Juan Gutierrez dueled for the lead through the first three-eighths of a mile with 11-1 shot Bellotti. As Mountain Band edged clear of that rival, Jones began to encourage his charge at the head of the lane.

At the head of the straight, Silver River and Jones found their best stride, wore down Mountain Band, and took full control of the race.

Silver River completed the six-furlong test in 1:12 2/5.

Owned by Dan Miller, Silver River returned $4 and $2.80 with no show wagering. Mountain Band was second with Riley Beaver third.

In the nine days of racing in January, Jones leads all riders in overall wins with 16 from 58 mounts (28%), including six wins from nine starts at a mile or more.

Gutierrez had three wins on the day, improving his total to 12 wins from 27 mounts. In January alone Gutierrez is 11-3-2 from 26 mounts.

Trainer Jason Homer saddled two winners on the day.

(Chart, Equibase)

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