Silver Valley Runs for New Outfit in Debutante

Silver Valley was privately purchased following her impressive 4 ¾-length debut victory on May 25 and she will make her first start for her new connections in Saturday’s $100,000-added Debutante at Churchill Downs.

 

Previously owned by Simmons and Associates Inc. and previously trained by Bobby Jenkins, Silver Valley is now in the barn of trainer Ron Moquett for owner Bowman Racing LLC.

 

“I like her. She’s a smarty filly and I think she’ll run hard,” Moquett said. “We’ll just have to see how the race shapes up. If everyone goes out there and runs early, then maybe we can go and get them from off the pace.”

 

Silver Valley, who has been in Moquett’s barn at Churchill Downs for about three weeks, is one of seven fillies in the field of 11 who will be making their second career starts in the Debutante. The most experienced filly in the race is Deliver, who has five starts under her belt.

 

“It’ll be an interesting race because this is only the second or third start for most of these fillies and one of them could take a big step forward,” Moquett said.

 

The 113^th running of the Debutante highlights the 11-race Downs After Dark Presented by Stella Artois and Finlandia Vodka racing program. Post time for the first race is 6 p.m. (all times Eastern) and the Debutante is scheduled as Race 7 at 9:05 p.m.

 

Moquett could have a starter in both stakes races on Saturday night if he elects to run Livi Makenzie in the $65,000-added Roxelana, which is scheduled as Race 10 at 10:42 p.m.

 

Livi Makenzie entered the Roxelana off a two-length victory in an allowance/optional-claiming race at Churchill Downs on May 16.

 

“She’s doing perfect, but I’m not sure we’ll run,” Moquett said. “I’d say we’re 50-50. It’s a tough race for $65,000.”

 

Moquett said Livi Makenzie also is under consideration for the Saylorville at Prairie Meadows on June 28.