Racing fans, get ready for an exciting event! Simply Joking, a rising star in horse racing, is set to compete in the $150,000 Silverbulletday Stakes at Fair Grounds this Saturday. This race is a big test for the young filly as she stretches her skills to compete over a longer distance. Let’s dive into the details of the race and what to expect.
What Is the Silverbulletday Stakes?
The Silverbulletday Stakes is a key race on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks, one of the most prestigious horse racing events for 3-year-old fillies. Held at Fair Grounds Race Course, this race covers a distance of one mile and 70 yards on the main track. The top five finishers earn qualifying points for the Kentucky Oaks, with the winner getting 20 points, second place 10 points, and so on.
This year marks the 33rd running of the race, which will take place as Race 9 on Saturday. The event begins at 5 p.m. EST and promises a thrilling lineup of eight talented fillies.
Who Is Simply Joking?
Simply Joking is a Pennsylvania-bred filly by Practical Joke, owned by Grantley Acres, Ryan Conner, and Berkels0813. Trained by Whit Beckman, she made an impressive debut last month in the Letellier Memorial Stakes. Despite a rough start, she surged forward to beat the favorite, Whata Moon, and claim her first win.
Now, Simply Joking faces a tougher challenge in the Silverbulletday, where she’ll need to prove herself over a longer distance and against stiffer competition. Her jockey, Jaime Torres, will guide her in this important race.
The Competition: A Look at the Field
The Silverbulletday Stakes has attracted a strong field of eight fillies, each with their own strengths:
- Chasten: Trained by Brad Cox, she’s a half-sister to Idiomatic, a champion older dirt female. Chasten dazzled in her debut at Churchill Downs, winning a seven-furlong race.
- Golden Gamble: One of three entries by trainer Kenny McPeek, she finished second in her last race, the Untapable Stakes.
- California Sunset: Also exiting the Untapable Stakes, this filly finished third and is trained by Brad Cox.
- Drexel Hill: Simply Joking’s stablemate, she’s wearing blinkers for the first time after finishing fifth in the Untapable Stakes.
- Gowells Delight and She’s a Swede: Both are maiden winners trained by Kenny McPeek. Gowells Delight won her last race in December, as did She’s a Swede.
- Bless the Broken: Trained by William Walden, she last competed in the Demoiselle Stakes, finishing seventh.
Each filly brings unique qualities to the race, making the Silverbulletday an exciting showdown.
What’s at Stake?
The Silverbulletday Stakes is not just about the prize money—it’s a stepping stone to greater opportunities. The points earned here could secure a spot in the Kentucky Oaks, which is held on the same weekend as the Kentucky Derby. For fillies like Simply Joking, this race is a chance to shine on a bigger stage and prove they belong among the best.
With talented fillies like Simply Joking, Chasten, and Golden Gamble in the mix, the 2025 Silverbulletday Stakes is shaping up to be an unforgettable event. Whether you’re a seasoned racing fan or new to the sport, this race is a great opportunity to see future stars in action. Will Simply Joking rise to the challenge, or will another filly steal the spotlight? Tune in on Saturday to find out!
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