Stone Farm’s homebred Litigation produced another decisive late surge to win the Silks Run at Gulfstream Park, claiming his second consecutive stakes success in Saturday’s $125,000 turf sprint.
The four-year-old, trained by Brian Lynch and ridden by Mario Gutierrez, split rivals approaching the top of the stretch before accelerating clear to secure victory in the five-furlong feature. The Silks Run at Gulfstream Park, now in its 12th running, is named after the boulevard that runs through the village surrounding Gulfstream Park and shared the spotlight on a card that also featured the Grade 3 Hurricane Bertie.
Sent off the second choice in a field of seven, Litigation stopped the clock in 53.80 seconds on firm turf — just shy of the long-standing track record of 53.61 set by Pay Any Price in 2017. The win improved his career tally to six victories from ten starts and marked his second triumph of the season following the Gulfstream Park Turf Sprint in January.
Lynch, enjoying a productive Championship Meet campaign, praised the gelding’s consistency.
“It’s been absolutely fantastic,” the trainer said. “I’m just thrilled to be a part of it.”
Silks Run at Gulfstream Park: Race Unfolds at Speed
The race developed at a strong early tempo as Souper Quest broke quickly to establish the lead along the rail. He was closely attended by millionaire stakes performer Coppola, who applied steady pressure on the outside through the backstretch.
Behind them, even-money favourite Rezasrolex travelled comfortably in third along the inside, while Litigation settled mid-pack after receiving an early reminder from Gutierrez to stay within striking range. Longshot Sosua Summer and the rest of the field followed close behind.
“Mario was having to ask him a little bit early just to stay close, which isn’t normally this horse’s running style,” Lynch explained. “But to capture the last two stakes like he has — it’s been a phenomenal effort.”
Turning for home, Souper Quest still clung to a narrow advantage over Coppola. But the complexion of the race changed quickly as Gutierrez guided Litigation between the leading pair. The four-year-old responded instantly, surging through the gap and asserting control in the final strides.
Rezasrolex, switched to the far outside by jockey Edgard Zayas, mounted a late challenge but could not reel in the winner.
Lynch admired the determination shown by his charge.
“He’s as honest as they come,” he said. “I was a bit nervous with the way the speed was holding on today, but for him to cut through horses like that and get the job done — he’s a game little trouper.”
Rezasrolex finished second, 2½ lengths behind the winner, with his stablemate and last year’s Silks Run hero Eamonn taking third. Sosua Summer followed in fourth ahead of Classic of Course.
Gutierrez said the early tempo forced him to keep Litigation closer than usual.
“The track was quicker than I expected,” the jockey said. “I had to move on him a bit earlier, but we managed to get a clear run when it mattered.”
Looking ahead, Lynch confirmed the next target for Litigation will likely be the Shakertown Stakes (G2) over 5½ furlongs at Keeneland Race Course on April 4, where the gelding will again test his speed against top turf sprinters.
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