Charlie’s Penny Upsets Silverbulletday

NEW ORLEANS, LA – Lothenbach Stables homebred Charlie’s Penny struck the front at the 1/8 pole and raced clear to post the 9/1 upset in Saturday’s $150,000 Silverbulletday Stakes at Fair Grounds.

Charlie’s Penny broke from post 3 under Brian Hernandez Jr. and settled into a two-wide stalking position outside of Moon Swag.

Just ahead, Littlestitious led inside of the 3/5 favorite Sun Path through pedestrian opening fractions of :25.66 and :49.96 before Sun Path took command near the top of the stretch.

The bettors’ choice grew leg weary shortly after straightening for home, however, and a rallying Charlie’s Penny shot past at the 1/8 pole.

The Chris Block trainee crossed 3 1/4 lengths clear while completing the 1 mile and 70 yard fast dirt route in 1:43.80.

“She was able to get herself in a nice position quickly,” Hernandez Jr. said. “Going around the first turn, and then once she got outside (Sun Path), she just traveled nicely with her ears up the whole way. I could always tell that she was going to respond when I needed her to, and that was the whole key today. She was there for me. I just had to be a good passenger.”

Souper Sensational took second by 3/4 of a length over Moon Swag, while Sun Path faded in the stretch before crossing fourth.

Littlestitious and Barista completed the order of finish.

Minute Waltz, Princess Theorem, and Divine Comedy were scratched from the race restricted to 3-year-old fillies.

The Silverbulletday is part of the Road to the 2021 Kentucky Oaks prep race season. Charlie’s Penny earned 10 points for the win, with Souper Sensational receiving 4 for second, Moon Swag 2 for third, and Sun Path 1 for fourth.

Charlie’s Penny’s win was her first at the stakes level after finishing fourth in the Glorious Song (behind Souper Sensational) and third in the local Letellier Memorail last time out. The Minnesota-bred Race Day filly improved her record to 5-3-0-1 with $173,890 earned.

“Brian did a fantastic job around the first turn getting her out and settled in there behind what was a slow pace, which I think benefitted us to a degree,” said Block, who mentioned that February’s Rachel Alexandra Stakes (the next local Oaks prep) is where she will aim. “In the middle of the turn, I could see that he had a ton of horse, and when she ranged up there on the outside turning for home, I’ve seen her level off really well going short, and I thought if she could do that going long, we’re going to be ok.”

Charlie’s Penny returned $20.40 to win, $7 to place, and $5.20 to show. Souper Sensational brought back $3.80 to place and $3.60 to show, while Moon Swag paid $4.20 to show.