Former shuttler Hard Spun sires 43rd Grade / Group winner

Former Darley shuttler Hard Spun (Danzig) sired his 43rd Graded / Group level winner on Saturday when the Steven Amussen-trained Silver State (4 c ex Supreme by Empire Maker) continued his winning run in the Oaklawn Handicap (Gr 2, 9f) on Saturday. 

The four-year-old colt came into the race off the back of unbeaten four race winning streak, which culminated in a pair of victories at stakes level in the Fifth Season Stakes (Listed, 8f) and Park Essex Handicap (Listed, 8.5f) and he continued that good form when beating Fearless (Ghostzapper) by half a length Express Train (Union Rags) was another length away in third. 

"The five-race win streak and putting it all together against such a talented field today, a significant race—extremely pleased with him," Asmussen said. "The horse has been training really well. He's figured out winning. I think what we saw in the two races here previously, he chose to win. They were very competitive. Watching the races, just like today, I think that's made all the difference in him.”

Purchased by Winchell Thoroughbreds for US$450,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale in 2018, Silver Slate is out of Listed winner Supreme (Empire Maker) and is from the same family as 2001 Kentucky Derby (Gr 1, 10f) winner Monarchos (Maria’s Mon). 

Hard Spun shuttled to Australia for six seasons, but did not return in 2013 and he has sired 18 stakes winners in the country, headed by Group 1-winning pair Le Romain and Gatting.   

The son of Danzig stands at Darley’s Jonabell Farm base for a fee of US$35,000 and he has sired 84 stakes winners in total.