Mark Anderson’s seasoned mare Sterling Silver delivered a performance full of poise and authority on Friday, surging late to land the Rampart Stakes result at Gulfstream Park with a decisive victory that underlined her class and versatility.
The multiple graded-placed New York-bred, making her first appearance for trainer Anthony Margotta Jr., settled beautifully through the early stages before producing a powerful stretch run to score by a clear margin. For a mare with wins across a range of distances and conditions, this was another polished chapter in a career built on reliability and toughness.
The striking grey daughter of Cupid was content to track the tempo from mid-pack as the early pace unfolded steadily through the opening half of the one-turn mile. With the leaders beginning to feel the pressure approaching the far turn, Hall of Fame rider Javier Castellano eased Sterling Silver into the clear, allowing her to build momentum rather than rush her move.
Straightening for home, she lengthened her stride with the confidence of a mare who knows her job. Once balanced in the lane, Sterling Silver asserted herself decisively, drawing away to stop the clock in 1:37.28.
She finished in front of Necessity, who had enjoyed a ground-saving trip and made a determined bid between runners in the stretch, while Claret Beret stayed on for third after briefly threatening along the rail.
Margotta, who recently added the mare to his stable, spoke with quiet assurance afterward. He highlighted Sterling Silver’s adaptability, noting her ability to perform over sprints and routes alike. That versatility was on full display in this Rampart Stakes result, where patience early proved the winning ingredient.
Castellano echoed the sentiment, praising the smooth rhythm of the race and the mare’s professionalism. Having partnered her previously in New York, the rider was well aware of her capabilities, and Friday’s effort confirmed she remains at the top of her game.
With this performance, Sterling Silver positions herself for a return to graded company, where she has already knocked on the door several times. Her connections will now look toward upcoming stakes opportunities at Gulfstream, confident that her consistency and late-running strength can translate into further success.
The Gulfstream Park race result 26 December reflected a contest shaped by patience and class, as Sterling Silver produced her strongest work when it mattered most.
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