West Omaha romps in Silverbulletday

Jan 20, 2024 Kellie Reilly/Brisnet.com

Gary and Mary West’s homebred West Omaha impressed as the 9-10 favorite in Saturday’s $145,500 Silverbulletday S. at Fair Grounds, rapidly opening up down the stretch to earn 20 points toward the Kentucky Oaks (G1).

West Omaha was coming off a solid second in her stakes debut, the Dec. 23 Untapable S. over the same track and trip. With Untapable winner Alpine Princess awaiting the next local scoring race, the Feb. 17 Rachel Alexandra (G2), West Omaha ranked as the one to beat here.

The Brad Cox pupil did more than just win. She delivered a breakout performance, as if issuing a statement of intent versus stablemate Alpine Princess down the road.

Ridden for the first time by Luis Saez, West Omaha was able to maintain better position throughout the Silverbulletday. The daughter of West Coast, the champion three-year-old of 2017, was never more than a couple of lengths back early, and she was already on the scene turning for home.

Louisiana-bred Accommodate Eva set an unhurried pace, but she was pressed at every call by Oklahoma-bred standout Miss Code West. Herself by a past West colorbearer, Code West, Miss Code West put her head in front on the far turn and held a slim advantage straightening into the lane.

West Omaha appeared to have all the momentum, however, as she ranged up wider out. The favorite put the race away in a few strides and bounded five lengths clear, completing the mile and 70 yards in 1:43.48.

Perfect Shot stayed on for second, picking up 10 Oaks points in her stakes debut. Sistina Chapel closed for third, duplicating her finish in the Untapable, and adding six more points to her ledger (for a total of nine). Miss Code West tired to fourth (four points), followed by Accommodate Eva in fifth (two points) and Noriskit Nobiscuit. Ma Rae’s Girl and Play Good Pay Good were scratched.

#6 West Omaha was dominant in the Silverbulletday S. and earns 20 points towards the #KentuckyOaks! 🌷@bradcoxracing trains and @luissaezpty was aboard.

🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/3gpT0piZpS

— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) January 20, 2024

West Omaha, who now has a total of 25 Oaks points, has bankrolled $203,000 from her 4-2-2-0 line. The dark bay began her career at Churchill Downs, where she placed at first asking and improved to break her maiden by four lengths on Nov. 3. The Untapable marked her stakes and two-turn debut, and she continued her upward curve in the Silverbulletday.

The Kentucky-bred filly is out of the Medaglia d’Oro mare Birthday Bash. This is the extended family of 2012 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner Tapizar, now best known as the sire of 2018 Kentucky Oaks queen and two-time Eclipse Award champion Monomoy Girl.