Jason DaCosta's Silver Cloud chased the pace and battled down the stretch to win the $100,000 Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint in the Summit of Speed July 6 at Calder Casino & Race Course (VIDEO).
"The plan was to go to the lead, and that didn't work out," said winning jockey Fernando Jara. "When the gate opened he broke a little slow. I wasn't expecting that, but he recovered right away from that and he put himself in a good position for me. They were going really fast the first part and I just waited until the stretch and he kept coming."
Uno Caliente showed speed along the hedge at the start of the 5-furlong event, clocking a quarter in :21.41 before having to steady as the favored Determinato took over for a half in :44.27. Silver Cloud rallied to engage Determinato in the stretch and edged out the victory by just a head over the late-closing Tripski, while Determinato faded to third. Final time was :56.08.
"He was well-ridden by Fernando," said DaCosta, who also trains the 5-year-old Rahy gelding. "It was a good fight through the stretch and the horse and Fernando prevailed. He's a five-eighths turf specialist so I'll look for another stakes race."
A claim of foul by Orlando Bocachica, the rider of Uno Caliente, against Luis Saez, the rider of Determinato, for alleged interference leaving the turn was not allowed.
Silver Cloud returned $10.60, $5.60, and $3.60 for the win, while Tripski paid $7.40 and $4.00 as the runner-up. It was another two lengths back to Determinato, who brought back $3.00. Completing the order of finish were Madame Giry, Uno Caliente, Simmstown, Regally Ready, King Solomon, Latin Rocks, and Banzai Kid. Artefacto, Cajun Breeze, and Off the Jak scratched.
Bred in Florida by Alfonso Figliolia out of the Silver Deputy mare Silver Clipper, Silver Cloud was a $34,000 purchase from the 2010 Ocala Breeders' Sales Co.'s spring sale of 2-year-olds in training where he was consigned by Nick de Meric, agent. He improved his record to 7-5-1 from 23 starts, with earnings of $241,622. The Bob Umphrey was his first stakes win.