San Siro excelled at longer distances, making a pivotal move on the far turn to secure a commanding 4 1/4-length victory in the $150,000 Greenwood Cup Stakes at Parx Racing on Saturday. Under Tyler Gaffalione’s guidance, the 5-year-old Classic Empire gelding, owned by Andrew Farm, Mountmellick Farm, Ocean Reef Racing, White Mountain Stables, and Bryan Reed, earned his first stakes triumph. Previously, San Siro had participated in nine graded stakes races, finishing second once, third three times, and fourth twice.
Longshot Silent Mode led the pack past the stands, hitting a quarter mile in :26.42 and a half mile in :51.66. Initially positioned sixth after the first lap in this 1 1/2-mile race, San Siro steadily advanced as Gaffalione urged him forward around the clubhouse turn, closing to just three lengths back in fifth by the time they reached the backstretch. Silent Mode stayed in front, with My Imagination and Carlo Rapido pursuing closely. Meanwhile, Gaffalione guided San Siro into fourth place, with favorite and 2025 Melbourne Cup contender Parchment Party running sixth along the rail.
Carlo Rapido held a slight edge entering the far turn, but Gaffalione propelled San Siro to the lead before the final stretch, where he comfortably maintained his advantage. The race concluded in a time of 2:33.51. San Siro, purchased as a yearling for $150,000, boosted his career record to six wins, one second, and five thirds from 23 starts, amassing earnings of $680,262. Bred in Kentucky by Frankfort Park Farm, Bemart, Equinow, Valle Falcone, and K. Byrne, he descends from the winning Bernardini mare Catenaria.
Trainer Brendan Walsh, who previously won the Greenwood Cup in 2014 with Cary Street when it was a Grade 3 event, celebrated his first stakes victory with San Siro this weekend.
Greenwood Cup Quotes
Tyler Gaffalione (Winning jockey): “That ride was all about steering. He was fantastic. Last time, I learned not to give up on him—he knows exactly what he’s doing. I just let him find his rhythm and made sure the track suited him. Brendan always believed this distance was his game, but the right opportunity hadn’t come along until now. Coming into the stretch, my horse felt relaxed, and I anticipated that Parchment Party was coming, so I kept him moving steadily. He responded beautifully.”
Charlie Lynch (Assistant to trainer Brendan Walsh): “San Siro has been training strongly in Saratoga. Distance was never a concern—1 1/8 miles in his last two starts was probably the shortest he should go. We were very confident running him 1 1/2 miles today. He’s such an amazing horse, having been with us since he was 2, and winning a stakes race with him means a lot. He shows up every time and always gives his best—never a dull moment with him. He travels well and seemed to really enjoy racing here.”
John Velazquez (Jockey for Parchment Party, second place): “He ran well, but not how I expected early on. The winner opened up a five-length lead on the turn, and that was it. My horse was somewhat lackluster today but still put in a decent effort. By the five-eighths pole, I was already trying to hold position and couldn’t maintain it. When I reached three-eighths, I saw the other horse had pulled away and knew he was unbeatable.”
This article first appeared in the Paulick Report’s News section on September 19, 2026.
Fan Take: San Siro’s impressive stretch run highlights the growing importance of stamina and strategic riding in modern horse racing, promising exciting developments for long-distance events. This victory not only cements his status as a top contender but also shines a spotlight on the growing competitiveness of stakes races beyond the classic distances, keeping the sport fresh and engaging for fans.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
