On the racetrack, Badge of Silver was the very definition of versatile. Brilliant from 4 1/2 furlongs to 1 1/8M, Badge of Silver eclipsed 110 Beyer Speed Figures at both 6 and 9 furlongs. While his versatility at differant dirt distances was well documented throughout his career, the two turf starts he made were largely overshadowed by his tremendous performances on the main track. However, in watching the performances of his early offspring, it is looking as if those two turf starts offered an important glimpse into his future at stud.
Badge of Silver’s first grass start came in the Grade II San Gabriel S. at Santa Anita. He won easily, leading throughout while never being seriously threatened. However, an injury kept him away from the races for the next 10 months. When he returned, legendary trainer Bobby Frankel thought enough of his turf abilities to run him in the Grade I Breeder’s Cup Mile in his first start back. He ran a fantastic third, beaten just a head by division leader Aragorn- a remarkable effort off such a lengthy spell.
While those two efforts would prove to be his only on grass, Badge of Silver’s early offspring are showing that they can absolutely thrive on the turf. The latest example is his talented 3yo Silver Max, who, like his sire, made short work of a quality field in graded stakes company while never relinquishing the lead, in Keeneland’s Grade III Transyvania Stakes. With the outcome never really in question, the Dale Romans trainee won by an effortless 5 1/2 lengths and will continue to be pointed to the nation’s top grass races for 3-year-olds. He joins graded turf stakes winner Silver Medallion and multiple grass stakes winner King Congie as Badge of Silver’s that have shown a particular affinity for the lawn.
Congratulations to all the connections of this top-class sophomore and continue to keep an eye on the talented, versatile, Badge of Silver progeny!
