Eurosilver Lives Up to Expectations

Making his first start since winning the Lanes End Futurity at Keeneland on Oct. 4, Eurosilver did what he was supposed to do Wednesday at Gulfstream Park in Florida.

One of three 3-year-olds in trainer Nick Zito’s barn with Triple Crown aspirations, the Unbridled’s Song colt beat his four overmatched rivals by five lengths as the 1-5 favorite.

Owned and bred by Buckram Oak Farm, Eurosilver tracked the pace set by 12-1 shot Tenace for most of the seven furlongs, then asserted his superiority late. Taken in hand approaching the wire by jockey Javier Castellano, Eurosilver completed the distance in 1:24.45 for his third win in four starts.

“I’m happy,” Zito said. “You wait four months and no matter how you look at it, there’s always a little anxiety. But everything worked out.”

Zito indicated Eurosilver would make his next start in the seven-furlong Swale Stakes on March 13 at Gulfstream Park, then try two turns again in the Blue Grass Stakes on April 10 at Keeneland.

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Medaglia d’Oro was established as the 8-5 morning line favorite for Saturday’s $500,000 Donn Handicap at Gulfstream.

Seven others entered the 1 1/8-mile race, including 2003 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Funny Cide, who is the 2-1 second choice.

Completing the field are Country Be Gold, Puzzlement, Predawn Raid, Bowman’s Band, Seattle Fitz and The Judge Sez Who.

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Jockey Javier Santiago, a recent arrival from Puerto Rico, won two races on his first day at Santa Anita.

The veteran, who is being represented by agent Tony Matos, won the fifth with first-time starter Lady Sax and the seventh with Grant Marty A Wish.

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Jockey Julie Krone, who was injured in a spill Dec. 12 at Hollywood Park, worked horses Wednesday in Inglewood and will do so again today. Krone hopes to ride this weekend.

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During, who rallied to win the San Fernando Stakes last month, is among eight 4-year-olds expected to enter the $300,000 Strub Stakes today.

Buckland Manor, Buddy Gil, Domestic Dispute, Eye Of The Tiger, Formal Attire, Saint Buddy and Toccet are also expected to enter the 1 1/8-mile race, which will be run for the 57th time Saturday.