Robert Luttrell's homebred Promise Me Silver kept her unblemished record intact with a victory in her toughest test yet, the $200,000 Eight Belles Stakes (gr. III) May 1 at Churchill Downs (VIDEO).
The Texas-bred 3-year-old Silver City filly now has a perfect 8-for-8 mark, including stakes wins at Oaklawn Park, Sam Houston Race Park, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Retama Park, and Churchill, but made her graded debut in the seven-furlong Eight Belles and did not waste the opportunity.
Off at 5-1 odds, Promise Me Silver stalked the pace with jockey Robby Albarado, about two lengths back, as Ekati's Phaeton and Super Saks dueled for the lead through an opening quarter-mile in :22.08 and the half in :44.72. She took the lead with three-sixteenths to go and held off a late run by Callback to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Scat Means Go closed from last in the 11-filly field to finish third, a head back.
Trained by W. Bret Calhoun, the winner covered the seven furlongs in 1:22.90 on a fast dirt track and delivered $12.60, $6, and $4.20 across the board. Callback paid $5.80 and $4.40. Scat Means Go returned $13.60 to show.
Promise Me Silver increased her career earnings to $435,915 with the $116,560 winner's share.
Favored Enchanting Lady, off at 5-2, trailed in 10th most of the way and finished ninth.
Beyond Scat Means Go came Mizz Money in fourth, followed by Super Saks, Taylor S, Streetheart, Lavender Chrissie, Enchanting Lady, Fancy and Flashy, and Ekati's Phaeton. Jugni was scratched.
Promise Me Silver is out of the Macho Uno mare Uno Mas Promesa.
Promise Me Silver comes home strong in the Eight Belles Stakes.
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