Jockey Mark Anderson guided Sterling Silver, a New York-bred mare with 10 career victories and multiple Grade 2 placings, to a narrow quarter-length win in Friday’s $125,000 Rampart Stakes at Gulfstream Park. This marked her first race under trainer Anthony Margotta Jr.
Margotta praised the mare’s versatility, noting her success across various distances and styles of racing. During the One Turn Mile Stakes for Mares, Sterling Silver, a striking gray Cupid foal, posted quick fractions of 24.63 seconds and 47.51 seconds in the first half, with competitor Dazzling Move closing in on favorite One Magic Filly mid-race. Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano positioned Sterling Silver wide at the far turn, allowing the seasoned 6-year-old to overtake tiring frontrunners and dominate the stretch for an impressive victory.
Margotta expressed satisfaction with the race strategy, feeling confident throughout the run. Sterling Silver finished the mile in 1:37.28, besting second-place Necessity, who shadowed the leader closely and outpaced third-place Claret Verrett before fading late. Castellano, who had previously ridden Sterling Silver to a runner-up finish at Aqueduct’s Ruffian Stakes, highlighted her consistent performance and professionalism, praising her ability to navigate through the field.
Looking ahead, Sterling Silver aims to capture her first graded stakes win at the $200,000 Inside Information (G2) seven-furlong sprint for fillies and mares, featured under the $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream on January 24.
Fan Take: Sterling Silver’s win showcases the depth of talent in mare racing and highlights the excitement of tactical racing at Gulfstream Park. This result not only boosts her prospects but also adds intriguing competition to upcoming high-stakes events, keeping fans eagerly anticipating new rivalries and thrilling performances in the sport.
