Tabbing Sterling Silver for an upset in the Busher Stakes

A compact, and talented, field of six will travel one mile over the Aqueduct main surface in Saturday’s $250,000 Busher S. The one-turn affair will reward the top four finishers with a total of 85 qualifying points (50-20-10-5) towards the Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs on May 6.

Morning-line choice #6 Radio Days (7-5) hasn’t done much wrong from a trio of lifetime tries for conditioner Shug McGaughey. The $750,000 yearling purchase was especially sharp in dominating her first two races, and her clear runner-up showing in the recent Forward Gal S. (G3) at Gulfstream Park was very good, as well. By Gun Runner, the stout late runner has a lot going for her on Saturday with a stretch-out in distance, a proven affinity for the surface, and a clear outside draw to avoid trouble. And while I don’t think that she is necessarily vulnerable, I simply feel that she will be overbet while facing her toughest assignment to date against this talented cast.

Tom Albertrani’s #2 Sterling Silver (6-1) is 2-for-2 lifetime and seems poised for a top effort while facing open company for the initial time. The bargain $13,000 yearling purchase graduated on debut in November for a conditioner who rarely wins at first asking, and the daughter of Cupid returned with a commanding victory in the Franklin Square S. in her most recent endeavor.

The Empire State-bred filly faces a tough field second time off the short layoff, but her latest outing was excellent and I also believe that she will move forward with the added ground on Saturday. Gray lass has enough early presence to be in range throughout, and I will tab her to get the jump on the favorite prior to holding off her late burst inside the final furlong. Regular pilot Trevor McCarthy will be in the stirrups.

#3 Morning Matcha (5-1) has won or placed in each of her eight lifetime outings for Butch Reid. Central Banker filly will make one run in the stretch, and if she races to her recent bullet half-mile move at Parx, then the bay will be dangerous on the cutback in distance.

Demoiselle S. (G2) runner-up #4 Venti Valentine (7-2), recent Busanda S. queen #5 Magic Circle (3-1), and Ruthless S. heroine #1 Shotgun Hottie (12-1), will round out the field full of fine prospects.

Busher Wagers

• $10 win/place #2 Sterling Silver ($20)
• $3 exacta 2 with all ($15)
• $1.50 trifecta 2,6 with 2,6 with all ($12)