Silver Wagon Rolls to Sport Page Victory

Silver Wagon's closing style was well served by a fast pace in the $158,600 Sport Page Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. III) at Aqueduct Saturday, resulting in a smashing 5 1/2-length victory the Richard Dutrow Jr.-trained gray horse.

With Joe Bravo in the irons, Silver Wagon lagged near the rear of the field in the seven-furlong event, rallying up on the outside on the turn and surging past the pacesetting Afrashad with a furlong to run. The Florida-bred 5-year-old Wagon Limit horse went on to a 5 1/2-length victory in a solid time of 1:21 2/5 on a fast track.

"He ran big," said Dutrow, who added that he isn't sure what would be next for Silver Wagon. "He was training good going into it, got the pace and had a clean trip. He's a warrior."

Sir Greeley, who trailed the field with Eibar Coa for the first half-mile, rallied for second by a neck over the 7-5 choice Afrashad, who clicked off smart fractions of :22 1/5 and :44 1/5 for Richard Migliore before tiring late.

Owned by Four Roses Thoroughbreds, Silver Wagon earned $95,160 for his fifth lifetime win in 21 starts, and has now banked $679,193 in his career.

Third choice in the field of seven that started, Silver Wagon paid $8.90, $3.50 and $2.50. Sir Greeley, last seen running sixth in Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I) in May, returned $3.20 and $2.50. Afrashad, who was favored off a 3 3/4-length optional claiming race at Belmont Park Sept. 14 was $2.50 to show.

Kazoo ran fourth, followed by P. Kerney and Bishop Court Hill. Blazing Pursuit stumbled badly at the start and lost rider Jose Lezcano.

(Chart, Equibase)