Silver State emerged from a six-way, across-the-track battle to capture the $1-million G2 Oaklawn Handicap by a half-length April 17.
It was the biggest win of his career for the four-year-old colt by Hard Spun, who was also notching his fifth win in-a-row. Silver State has also won three consecutive Stakes races – the dark bay also captured the Essex Handicap and Fifth Season Stakes (both Listed events).
Silver State was unhurried early and settled in fifth, down along the inside rail, by jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. The pair began to move on the leaders midway through the far turn, then swung out five-wide as they hit the top of the lane. Silver State responded with a furious rally to prevail by a determined half-length over Fearless. Favorite Express Train had to settle for third.
Bred in Kentucky by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC, Silver State is out of the mare Supreme, a Stakes-winning daughter of Empire Maker. Silver State hails from the immediate female family of G1 Kentucky Derby winner Monarchos.
Hard Spun is the sire of over 80 career Black Type winners. In addition to Silver State, Hard Spun is represented by 2021 Stakes winners Antoinette (G3 The Very One Stakes), Caddo River (Listed Smarty Jones Stakes) and Summer in Saratoga (Tom Benson Memorial Stakes).
Hard Spun is standing the 2021 breeding season at Jonabell Farm for $35,000, stands and nurses.
