Silver Springs declared winner of Filly World Trotting Derby
September 3, 2004,by Harness Racing Communications, a division of the USTA
DuQUOIN, Ill. — Silver Springs was declared the winner of Friday’s $130,000 Filly World Trotting Derby at the Du Quoin State Fair after a heavy rainstorm forced the postponement of the remainder of the program following the sixth race.
USTA Photo.
Silver Springs with caretaker Anne Forsberg and trainer Jan Johnson celebrate their victory in the Filly World Trotting Derby at the DuQuoin State Fair.
Silver Springs, the Hambletonian Oaks champion, won the first heat by a length over Fox Valley Flan in a career-best 1:52.4. The three-year-old trotting fillies were scheduled to contest the second heat as race eight, but the rain washed away the rest of the card.
“She raced super,” trainer Jan Johnson said. “She started to come around a couple of weeks before the Oaks and she’s really sharp now. She’s just a great filly. She’s very sound and healthy; good horses take care of themselves.”
In the first heat, Silver Springs made a strong move entering the final turn, cleared to the lead and held off local favorite Fox Valley Flan. George Brennan drove Silver Spring’s to the win, which was one-fifth of a second off the stakes record. The New Jersey-sired daughter of Yankee Glide has won three of eight starts and $338,750 this year.
Illinois-bred Fox Valley Flan, driven by Andy Miller, challenged first-over around the final turn and pulled even with Silver Springs, but was unable to pass her in the lane.
“You never know what might have happened; Fox Valley Flan is a good filly, too,” Johnson said. “It could’ve ended up going three heats, so this is better for the horse.”
Whispering Spring, driven by Ron Marsh, was third. The remainder of the field in finishing order was Muscle Toy, Keystone Secret, Ladylind, Self Indulgent, Jodi’s Jayme, Hayworth Hanover and Gildone.