Gaining the services of jockey Jose Espinoza for the first time, Silver Screamer kicked clear under urging in the stretch to prevail by 1 1/2 lengths in the June 30 Eatontown Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Monmouth Park (VIDEO).
The $105,000 race at 1 1/16 miles was the stakes debut for the 4-year-old daughter of Cozzene trained by Rudy Rodriguez for Michael Imperio and Bill Elias Stables. She was sent off at odds of 9-2 and came into the race off a victory in a May 24 allowance optional claiming contest at Belmont Park.
In the Eatontown, Silver Screamer settled comfortably in second while stalking pacesetter Marquet Madness, who set early fractions of :23.93., :47.24, and 1:11.22. Silver Screamer bid between rivals midway near the far turn, took charge at the top of the lane, and completed the race in 1:40.41.
“We wanted to be close to the pace,” said Espinoza. “This was the first time I’ve ridden her, and she showed me a lot of class. She showed she could run against anyone today.”
Heavenly Landing saved ground racing off the pace, rallied on the rail, and finished willingly to earn the place spot by three quarters of a length. Unbridled Humor settled outside a rival, came three wide into the lane and rallied mildly for third, another three quarter lengths back. Favored Ruthenia at 3-2 was a neck back in fourth, while Vivo Per Lei, Dinner's Out, Little Often Anni, and Marquet Madness completed the order of finish.
Silver Screamer, the fourth choice, paid $11.40, $5.20, and $3.80. Heavenly Landing brought $4.80 and $3.60, and Unbridled Humor returned $3.00.
Bred in Kentucky by Palides Investments, Silver Screamer is out of the Gone West mare West Sider. She boasts a record of 6-3-1 from 12 starts and has earned $230,495.