Paulassilverlining Edges Constellation to Take G1 Madison

LEXINGTON, KY – Juddmonte Farms’ favored Paulassilverlining emerged with a neck victory over Constellation to win the 16th running of the Grade 1, $300,000 Madison for fillies and mares on Saturday.

Trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Jose Ortiz, Paulassilverlining covered the 7 furlongs on a fast main track in 1:23.68 to capture her fifth graded stakes victory and first Grade 1.  The win was worth $180,000 and boosted her career earnings to $1,188,950 with a record of 19-9-4-3.  Paulassilverlining is a 5-year-old Kentucky-bred daughter of Ghostzapper out of the Grindstone mare Seeking the Silver.

It was the first win of this race for Brown and Ortiz, and the first Keeneland stakes victory for Ortiz.

Constellation led the field of nine through fractions of :23.03 and :46.40 and, entering the stretch, opened a daylight advantage.  Paulassilverlining drew on even terms at mid-stretch and began to pull away, only to have Constellation battle back to make it a photo finish at the wire.  Paid Up Subscriber was 2 1/12 lengths behind in third.  It was another 1 3/4 lengths back to Mines and Magic in fourth, with Kathballu, Wheatfield, High Ridge Road, Ponder Lea, and Clothes Fall Off following in order.

Paulassilverlining returned $5.60, $3.20, and $2.60.  Constellation, ridden by David Flores, brought back $4 and $3.60, while Paid Up Subscriber, paid $3.80 to show under Joel Rosario.

Race Quotes

Trainer Chad Brown, Paulassilverlining: “I have to give credit to (former trainer) Michelle Nevin.  I only got her (Paulassilverlining) a month ago and she did most of the work to get this horse ready, so I’ll share the win with her.  She did a terrific job.  A lot of credit goes to Garrett O’Rourke (of owner Juddmonte Farms), who made the deal to buy her.  I was lucky enough (Juddmonte owner) Prince Khalid wanted me to train her.

“I’m in a real fortunate spot today.  We’ll probably go to Churchill for the Humana Distaff (on May 6 at 7 furlongs).  I think we had thought about that even before this race.  I’ll speak to Garrett and see how she comes out of this race.  We’re happy to have her.”

Jockey Jose Ortiz, Paulassilverlining: “(The trip) was great.  She broke really well.  When I cut the corner at the 1/4 pole, she kicked on.  Great training job by Chad as always, and I’m just happy she had the opportunity.”

Jockey David Flores, Constellation: “I thought that the winner was going to be behind me coming around (the far turn), but when I got to the top of the stretch, she went inside.

“My filly was getting out a little bit on the turn.  I hit her left-handed and she got out a little more, so I corrected her and she tried to come back.  But the other horse had an advantage once she got the lead.  My filly is a very competitive filly, and she fights to the end.  She gave me a great effort.”

Jockey Joel Rosario, Paid Up Subscriber: “She broke well and took a little time to get into stride, like she likes to run.  In the middle of the race, the pace was not very fast– she was moving very nice and comfortable.  We were just third-best today.”

Jockey Robby Albarado, Mines and Magic: “I had a really good trip.  I got excited a little bit turning for home because, from all indications, she was there for me.  I was on the outside in a clear spot and gave her the best opportunity possible.  She’s a nice filly.  It was a tough race.  I’m looking forward to the rest of her year.  I think she’s going to run at Churchill next.”

Keeneland